So Fast + So Fun = Soft Furnishings

I love changing the stuff in my house.  I get sick of things sometimes and feel a change is needed.  But, I'm not working so the change has to be cheap and cheerful and somewhat environmentally friendly.  No waste permitted!  It has to look ok though - it can't be too shabby, either.

My favourite place to shop for materials is Resource Rescue.  I know, I know… you've heard it before! But really it is quite special and popping along there regularly means picking up new stuff.  I went yesterday as it had been a while since the last time and James and I were sick of being sickies, stuck inside!

Gary was there when we arrived.  He was making something yummy smelling for lunch.  I picked up some great drawing paper for the kids - large sheets of white paper - perfect condition.  I grabbed some lovely large pieces of leather and then I stumbled on some great fabric samples.  Large swathes of coordinating fabric as well as a huge roll of upholstery fabric…. my mind started singing Soft Furnishings Are The Gateway Craft to Upholstery!  And I really want to learn upholstery… what a great way to start.  Resource Rescue has some great upholstery fabrics for next to nothing.  My whole shopping trolley full of treasures set me back the princessly sum of $20.

So this is what came out of the visit.  The fabric was a very large sample of coordinating fabrics by Unique Fabrics.  The back of the large cushions is the stripey fabric you can see on the small cushion at the front.  The small cushion is a bit of a patchwork effort to counterbalance the flouncy flowers on the large cushions.  It even has a zip (which are getting less scary!)

Happy UpCycled Soft Furnishings (nearly Upholstering)!

x Miss G

I'm a Craft Group Newbie!

I love craft.  You know that, I know that.  Pretty much anyone who knows me knows that.  Up until yesterday I was a solo crafter.   I could be found at home sewing, knitting, crocheting. Alone.  I can be quite shy at times and meeting new people can be anxiety inspiring.

I have been thinking about craft groups lately.  The evolution of the social crafting group has been amazing at connecting likeminded crafty people in a fun and creative way.  The aim is to share skills and come together through craft.  Up until last week I had only thought about going along to one of the many regular gatherings around Melbourne.  I don't know why it took so long for me to pluck up the courage to take stick and yarn to a group.

I have been a fervent fan of Twitter lately primarily because of the crafty gals that are there.  We chat about life, kids, work, what we've made or are making.  Milo, ice-cream and mint slices feature quite a lot too.  Last Wednesday, Cathie from Melbourne Epicure invited me along to the NCB.  The Northern Craft Bonanza. I was thrilled to meet some of the Tweeters in person.  It was funny how we had our real names and our Twitter names.  Introductions were made as Gina, or Miss G or Gidgeroo.  An instant rapport existed due to the familiarity of names on Twitter.  Crazy nice and I was instantly rid of my usual shyness!  I also have new Twitter friends and some new Blogs to read!

So the focus for me was not on what I was doing but what others were doing.  There were crochet squares, blankets and shawls, there was embroidery, there was needle felting and pom pom making!  I took some Tunisian Crochet to do and gave a little demo on how it worked.  I SO want to try needle felting as Mel was teaching Brianna and it looked like such a fun thing to do!  Next time will be needle felting time! I, for one, cannot wait!

Happy Public Displays of Crafting

x Miss G