Thinking about Quilting . . .

So this new book arrived in the post this week from the book depository as I have been thinking a lot about doing a quilt for Matilda's cot/bed, so this book is my beginner way into quilting. Just need to make a firm decision on the fabric. I was thinking this range from the fat quarter shop, but not sure now. Anywho, would love to have it done for winter so best get cracking and make a decision about colour choice. I also like this pattern, which is the size I am after too. Decisions, decisions . . .

Thanks Becky for the help sorting out how to do the links!

Whats in a name?

So, I have been thinking lots about selling at the markets (with some other un-blogged ideas that are still on paper and yet to be attempted) and have decided a new name is needed before I do anything else! I like "little possum designs" but find it a little common as far as little possums after doing some googling, there seem to be lots of little possum type names for businesses. (I came about little possums originally from our little ones who we call possum).

So my questions for those of you that sell in the markets or online or otherwise, how did you come to your name? I have so many ideas floating about in my head, random names etc. but just haven't found "the" one.

I am hoping maybe to be organised to sell by mid-late year, maybe 6 months as there are lots of little monthly markets in our regional area, plus school fetes, shows, etc. And selling things like bags (all sorts for all types of occasions/uses), baby items - bibs, toys, playmats, clothes, nappy bags/wallets, etc., hair accessories - ties, clips, etc.,

Some names that I have been 'thinking' about so far.

"Rumble Bee", "Pink Poss", "TillyTom", "One Pink Possum", "Whoops a Daisy", "This litle possum", "Little Blossom", "Tom & Tilly", "Pink Fish", "Pink Punch", "Pink Apples", "Moo You", "Apples & Punch".

Will be back with more when I have some more time and find my list from previous thinking sessions, lol. Please feel free to comment, mix them up, add your own, suggest something, etc.

Plastic Covered Shopping Bag

This bag I made after following the tutorial provided by Milly of Tin Whistle http://thetinwhistle.blogspot.com/2007/12/tutorial-plastic-coated-bag-part-1.html. I found it really easy to to construct and much easier to feed the plastic through the machine with my walking foot, which was the first time I had used it. Lovely bag, I will definitely be making more of these as gifts!

Little Hair Clips

Some little hairclips I made this afternoon. Have been wanting to do these for ages, just haven't got around to it. They are quick and easy to make and hold really well in even the finest of hair. I used quilting clips (snapclips), grosgrain ribbon and a hot glue gun.

Is it a dress or is it a nightie?

Just a litle something I made up while the kids were sleeping this afternoon. The fabric I picked up in Spotlight a few weeks ago, it is 95% cotton, 5% elastane and it was lovely to sew with. I just drew out the basic shape I was looking for straight onto the material and then cut and sewed. I had a little trouble working out the sleeves, but otherwise was easy and simple to put together. Didn't bother with bias binding as I wasn't sure if it would be worth it, but in the end it fits really well, just needs hemming. Will make a lovely summer nightie or I might cut it off to be a little top and make some shorts/capri's with a hem of this material . . . ?

Pin Cushion

A little pin cushion I made using the free Heather Bailey tutorial. Easy and fun to make!

A Bag

This is a small bag I made today to give to my mum as part of her birthday present. I told her that this year was the year of making all my gifts to everyone, and then I didn't have something for her, so I quickly made up this little bag, similar to one I saw in the 'Sew Pretty Homestyle' book (except I was having a very blonde day and couldn't decifer the instructions and just made it up to look the same as the picture) lol.

Make Up Purse

A little makeup purse that I made from the book; "Sew Pretty Homestyle" which has some lovely little patterns for bags, toys and other small crafty ventures. This was my first time putting in a zip, which I was stressing about, but actually found quite easy with the help of the zipper foot. Unfortunately I think I have the lining material too close to the zip though, as it is catching at times when I zip and unzip the purse. It has a layer of padding between the outer and inner layers making it lovely and soft. Just to give you and idea of the size, it is about 12cm high by 14cm wide. I don't actually wear makeup but might use it as a purse to hold my contact lens stuff in when we go away. Will definitely be making more of these. Fabric; Ava Rose with plain pink lining.

Grand Revival Market Bag

I finally got around to sewing this market bag today that I had been wanting to do for ages. Was quite simple and easy to sew and didn't take long at all. It is reversible but I will probably only use it the way it is in the photo as i love this fabric by Ava Rose. The inner fabric is some Amy Butler. I didn't add a clasp or inner pocket, probably things I would add to the next one I make. Lovely little bag though for taking to the market!