Quilting

My HOOD HAT, PARTY DRESS and BIG BUNNY sewing patterns all include quilted panels of fabric.  It looks like a complicated process but in reality, once you know how, it's super easy.

    

 The wadding (also known as batting) is usually quite wide so I'm using up all my leftovers to make a round cushion.  The patterned fabric is from a collection by NINA CAMPBELL (rabbit hole warning!!!) and for the underside I cut up an old pillow case.  

I recommend making your fabric sandwich just big enough to fit the pattern as it can become a little bulky and difficult to handle if the piece is too large.  I've added a detailed HOW TO right here. I used top stitching thread and if you've never sewn with it before there's also a HOW TO for that here.

Abstract Art Cushions

Always experimenting and making things, I just can't stop.  

This time I turned some of my abstract art into a bunch of cushions.  Digitally printed by Frankie & Swiss in South Yarra onto a Belgian Cotton Linen in Oatmeal.

Mid tone brights on an oatmeal background.  The fabric is thick and textured and would look great as a feature surrounded by mountains of solid colours, textures or maybe even some complementary prints.

Perhaps like these...

All available in my Etsy shop, one of a kind and never to be repeated Cushion Shop craziness.  I'm already onto the next big thing...quilting, cross stitch monsters and VR headset strap repairs?

Pocket Circles

Flowery pocket circles inspired by all my mother's beautiful gardens and just in time for Spring Carnival.  Not just for the boys and now available in my Etsy shop.

Yakedy Yak

Sometimes in life you reach a fork, a choice is made and you head off in a new direction without paying much attention.  My current fork, the 2018 fork isn't that.  Many sleepless nights and protracted internal discussions later I've reached a number of conclusions...

1. I love what I've created, The Makers' Journal is an expression of me and I love it so much.

2. If I want to create a financially secure life for myself I'm going to need reliable employment.  No more casual dead end jobs.

3. I cannot work for people who are morally bankrupt, they hurt my brain and soul and I don't want to be around them.  

4. I want to develop my own art practice and a studio retreat at my farm and this will never happen if life continues along it's current rudderless path.  

I need a plan.

So what this means in practical terms is that The Makers' Journal will continue but officially becomes my hobby..a very expensive hobby that pays for itself.  Just writing this down makes me want to schedule some time and start designing new things.  My Etsy shop is open and all of the patterns are available, I may even add a new one every now and again.  I'm constantly creating new things and Instagram is a perfect place for this, for now.   

Late last year I started a new job, I held my breath waiting for the disappointment/boredom to set in, but amazingly I'm still there, and in fact, I completely love it!  The people are just so wonderful and the job is an exciting adventure which I can't wait to share with the world.  

So here's a sneak peak of what I've been up to...

Many of these photos are the work of talented photographer Margherita Torri with styling assist from home wares designer Kerry Bower of Raine & Humble and me (I even made it into one) but I did sneak in two of mine.

The all new yakedyyak.com.au website will launch very soon.
It's open folks, happy shopping.

something BIG

Something's happening, and it's BIG!

I've taken on a gigantic project, self initiated so it's totally my own fault but wow I'm both exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.

No time for sewing or new patterns so instead when I have a moment I've been making some little drawings.  

You can see more on my projects page or follow along on Instagram.  Patterns are shipping as normal and it'll be back to normal programming sometime...well actually I don't know when.