Strapped for ca$h?

Isn't this belt fabulous, it looks almost bling - do you know what it's made out of? Well soda can tops - you know the things that you inveriably pull off. Collect 112 of them and you can have a 35"/88cm long belt. Get the tutorial here on CraftBits. What a creative project from 24/7ARTSY. I want one!!!

Crafters

Oooooo a Crafters Forum, something new to get addicted too. I love the voyeuristic opportunities - checking out what other people have been doing, and also getting recycle/reuse ideas!

In my home, with all my stuff it's quite a weird thing.

The baby c is all sorted (somewhat of an adventure to Ikea without a car to get her a new crib because she definitely outgrew that moses basket) and we are trying to get into a new routine. Let's see how that goes.

I found a new sewing site by accident this evening. http://www.sewing.org/

my highlights
- Fat cats quilts - i should make that and freak out B :)
- rice bags - a classic+easy pattern & I use mine all the time.
- teenager furniture - very cool but when I was a teen the stuffing cost wouldn't have let me.
- mittens - a very appropriate pattern (the shops here only have summer gear)

There are so many patterns here and I feel I have got enough good idea projects for 2009. Yay. Have fun, just don't go into the fashion department or prepared to be horrified with lots of 80s, the stuff you want to forget about (except for that cute strapless dress).

I would love to checkout this software but unfortunately I am running the unsupported Apple.

Ruggles the friendly sheepdog mat

I was digging through my pattern book this morning (I used to cut out and keep from various craft magazine) and I was intruiged to see I collected some stuff to make for kids (this was when I was around 18-21 and kids were not really in the picture). I found one page that really caught my fancy... Ruggles - 'the friendly sheepdog mat is just the right sort of companion for a kid. He keeps guard and night and toes cosy on cold winter days.'. Lol, if I ever make this one I'll put up some howto instructions.

more bags - this time a clutch purse

I have some fabric perfect for a delicate clutch, bought from Irma's Sampler store in Haarlem. When i would use it is not exactly clear, but it's nice to dream of a day when i don't have to carry nappies around ;) I also like this amy butler stash and dash pattern which could double as a toiletry bag.

Here is a free clutch purse pattern (pictured) I'll be trying it out when I next get a moment to breathe. It's very sad but I'm going to be leaving a lot of half started and inspired projects behind in South Africa.

Useful things to sew

I was cleaning out my bookshelf and I found this little gem - the Reader's Digest 'Useful things to sew'. Here is the barrelbag (cos I am in the mindframe of making bags for the market). Enjoy.

ps: I will put some photos up of my bags soon. It's a brilliant and simple pattern designed by Helen.

Free Finnish patterns

From the same place (Ottobre Design) that I got my cloth nappy pattern, I discovered a wealth of great + free PDF patterns. Like a cute mouse toy complete with clothes, a teddy bear rattle, or a "dotted dream" purse (pictured).

Their website says: OTTOBRE Design is a magazine specializing in children's and youth fashion. Each issue includes more than forty trendy designs and complete patterns and instruction for sewing.

I'm keen to get a subscription - based on the free goodies, the magazine must be full of inspiration for someone like me.

Voodoo

How cute is this 'damnit doll' idea?
I will be bookmarking this craft site - Craft Bits

Craftzine

Yet another site for inspiration... the blog of magazine Craft. Unfortunately they are no longer publishing the magazine (they have been merged with Make magazine) but their blogs and website are full of great ideas.

What to do with all those misshapen t-shirts...

I was browsing the books at the Exclusive Books sale yesterday and found an inspiring book., Save this shirt. Classic ideas on how to cut and simply sew new outfits from old t-shirts. I've sadly thrown out loads of shirts with classic prints, but no more. The beginning

Shwe shwe cushion covers

Making cushions is an quick and easy way to give your room a fresh look; have a few to switch around. When making cushion covers, don't bother with zips or fasteners - use a pillowcase design.

Don't these shwe-shwe pool lounges look great? I spied them at a friend's house.

I love the intricate design - always a feature of shweshwe...


Here are some free patterns so you can make your own. If you need fabric, check out my Etsy store to see what shwe shwe I have in stock.

Cut out and Keep

I love this site Cut out and Keep
There are always great ideas, like these ...
a chair transformation and reconstructing second hand sweaters...

Enjoy :)