Christmas & New Year Trading

The Haby Goddess online store will continue to be open right through the Christmas & New Year holiday period. I will be despatching orders up until Wednesday 23rd December.

New orders after this date until Thursday 14th January will be processed & depatched 1-2 times a week. After the 14th I will be back on deck full time.

Thank you so much for all your amazing suppport over the past year and I wish you & your family a wonderful & safe Christmas break.

There is a huge amount of new stock due over the coming weeks to fill the online store for the start of a new year including these cute new Liberty fabric covered buttons by Buttons by Lou Lou.

New Parisian dress kit range!

Some wonderful new summer Parisian style dress kits are now available in The Haby Goddess online store.

Each Little Fish Big Pond kit includes: Precut designer fabric pieces, thread, ribbon, easy to follow instructions and the satisfaction of having made this adorable little dress yourself.

Wonderful new stock on the way.

The Haby Goddess will be stocking a huge range of organza flowers from Milky Supplies. Handmade flowers which are perfect to use on your bags, purses, clothes, scarfs, hats, pillows, bed covers, curtains and more.

This delightful 3 in 1 kit includes everything you need to create these wonderful little dolls. The kit includes a doll panel (all three dolls), light denim backing, and hand-written instructions.The dolls were inspired by the bounty of Alaska's summers and deep Russian history. The green doll holds a salmon, the fuschia doll is decorated with fireweed, and the blue doll is covered with a blueberry heart.

I'll be sure to let you know as soon as they arrive!

Cleaning out the haby cupboard

Over the next couple of weeks I will be cleaning out the haby cupboard and listing 5 items at a time at a great reduced price. This clearance site is usually for Subscribers only but I am opening it up to all Haby Goddess friends for a short time. Once items sell I will list others.

Handmade Christmas Wreaths & Tutorials

Today, my two girls had their dad drag the very old (plastic & daggy) Christmas tree and decorations from the roof and set about transforming the living room into a festive delight! They did a fabulous job (I now feel very redundant as this has always been my job!), but we all agreed that a Christmas wreath on the front door would have finished off things beautifully. Living on an unmade road in bush does complicate things, as dust & grime are a major factor, but that won't stop me from admiring some very crafty wreath creations available.

My favourite wreaths of all are ones that tell a story or show a piece of ourselves. The above wreath is by Knock Knocking's . Everyone in my family knows how attached I am to my Kitchen Aid mixer so it seemed so fitting.

Here are a few more ideas to give you some festive inspiration!

1. Woodland Christmas - Holiday Wreath by Red Marionette
2. Linen Christmas Wreath created with left over fabric, crocheted flowers & ric rac - adorable!
3. Use your winter's left over wool supply & Chris J's homemade Christmas wreath as inspiration!
4. Felt Christmas Wreath by Granny Ruth's on FlicKr
5. Laurel Christmas Wreath is a handmade ceramic is the design of artists Felix Kniazev and Olga Julinska.
6. An edible Gingerbread Cookie Wreath (this wreath would not make it to Christmas day in our house!) So, has the above left you feeling a little creative? Here are a few very simple tutorials to help you get that Christmas Wreath hanging on your door.

Last year, Lisa from The Red Thread posted a fabulous tutorial on how to make the above paper Christmas wreath. I love this button wreath. You will find out just how easy this craftapalooza wreath is to make by visiting the whipup.net website.

Blue Manatee Tutorials offer a 15 page pdf tutorial on how to make a fabric rag wreath wall hanging.

Thea & Sami is now available at The Haby Goddess

The Haby Goddess is very excited to stock a gorgeous range of fabric products from Brisbane based Thea & Sami. They specialise in designing and hand-printing organic and natural fabrics using only water-based, non-toxic inks. Thea & Sami comes from a home based studio utilising the local services of other talented people such as pattern-makers and machinists to keep everything Australian Made and Sweat-Shop Free.

This fabric kit in 2 two lovely colour combinations include Thea & Sami's Mushrooms design hand-printed on hemp/organic cotton canvas. Available now in the online store - Raspberry & Cream or Chocolate on soft latte. Finished size = 32 x 42 cm (12.5 x 16.5 inches). Easy-to-follow instructions with pictures are included in the pack. Fabric is uncut so you are able to use it for other projects.

I just love this hand printed 'Spoon & Whisk' design. Coming in 3 lovely tones which compliment each other beautifully. Printed onto a lovely weighted Hemp/organic cotton fabric, utensils ate 10cm high and each pack includes 3 x 45 x 45cm pieces. One of each colourway.

Perfect to use on homewares or quilting projects.

These printed panels include sewing instructions to make 2 fish toys plus an easy pencil case. Available now in 3 divine colour combo's this project is perfect for beginner sewers and the fish could even be hand sewn making it a great crafty project for kids 8+.

This pack includes three pieces from Thea & Sami's 'Fraser Island' range, all 45 x 45cm 1 x Starfish pink (Hemp/Organic Cotton)1 x Sandy Beach (100% Organic cotton twill)1 x Aqua Sky (Hemp/Organic cotton). Available from here.

Online handmade market places

There are a number of online market places where you can purchase handmade goods and sewing supplies from all over the world. Most of you will be familiar with Etsy, with Australian counterparts Madeit & Leeloo rapidly growing also in popularity. Here's a few more online handmade market places that you may not be familiar with.

Folksy is a website selling handmade goods & supporting talented makers across the UK like this lovely 'Ceridwen' felted flower brooch by fyberknitics

toggle.co.nz - showcases the best of New Zealand's contemporary craft and kiwiana. This Ruby In The Dust Felt Bird Kit is just one of the many handmade gems you will find on this site.

A new Matryoshka pincushion design

In stock now are the new Matryoshka pincushion designs. But if you're wanting to make up your own pincushion, the same design pincushions kits will be here soon.

A Haberdashery treasury with a vintage twist

1. I love this unusual rattan wicker Vintage Chinese Sewing Basket
2. Vintage Chalkware little girl in Bonnet pincushion available from boubelina2
3. Every vintage outfit needs this 60s Red Rectangler Vinyl Buckle from Tigerluxe. A gorgeous size of 7 x 5.7cm.
4. Make your own Vintage 1922 Flapper Hat with this PDF pattern eBook from Kallie Designs
5. Not the first time Penny Dog Accessories have appeared in one of our treasuries, this time it's a Vintage inspired hook haberdashery resin pendant.
6. Oh, I so what this vintage cotton trim with White Green Violet Flowers being sold by Mrs Gibson Mercantile

Yo Yo makers now in 3 designs!

These nifty Clover Yo Yo Makers are now available in 3 different designs.

Flowers

Hearts Round

All 3 are available now from the online store.

Rosa Pomar Ribbons from Portugal

These adorable Rosa Pomar ribbons have just arrived today from Portugal.

100% Polyester. Ribbon's edges are smooth thanks to a special laser finishing.

Little Red Riding Hood Blue

Ribbon width: 1.5cm (0.59in)

Pattern repeats every 9.5cm (3.74in)

Snow White Pink 20mm wide woven ribbon.

Ribbon width: 2cm (0.79in)

Pattern repeats every 13.8cm

New items added to 'What's on Sale' page

I have added some Little Fish Big Pond sewing kits to the What's on Sale page with 20% off. So be quick and don't miss out.

Haby Inspiration

Another small treasury of Haby inspired items from some very talented etsians.

1. Penny Dog Accessories' Haberdashery Resin Paperweight
2. Vintage Singer sewing machine pinback button by Zippster
3. Handpainted tumbler by House of Harriet
4. Haberdashery earrings created by Weggart
5. Vintage Inspired Sewing Theme Collage Clipboard from Sugar Pink Moon

More Amigurumi Cuteness

More adorable Little Amigurumi crochet pdf pattern sets by Amy Gaines including the Critters pattern above and the cute kittens shown below.

Beginner Pattern Review

Lisa from QLD willingly put up her hand to be a Haby Goddess pattern tester.

The pattern being tested was Little Bird's Cobana Pants pattern which had a beginners rating. Lisa is a beginner who had done a little sewing when she was a teenager but was now wanting to get back into sewing. Having just had her mum's hand me down sewing machine serviced she is ready and rearing to go. Lisa did a fantastic job, choosing some really cute light weight co-ordinating fabric. Here is some of what Lisa had to say about the pattern....

Tonight I have finished sewing the pants and I have to admit, it was really easy. I didn’t think I would finish the sewing this evening and have surprised myself. This is even with a few unpickings, but that was my fault. I shouldn’t have agreed to a fabric where the front looks fairly similar to the back!

I guess some recommendations that I would make to someone who is about to tackle this pattern is to read through it a couple of times so you get the ‘gist’ of what you need to do, and to also photocopy the pattern.

I did cut out the pockets but I didn’t sew them on but the instructions did look pretty straight forward like the rest of the instructions. I think there is a slight mistake in the pattern. The left leg patterns don’t match. I thought it was just me but then I noticed the exact same thing in the picture on the pattern. (I did check the pattern & image and it looks as if it is meant to be like that.)

So yes, the pattern was super easy just like it says on the front.

Thanks so much for letting me do this trial. I have really enjoyed it and it has given me confidence to so a bit more sewing. I can’t wait!

New Bettsy Kingston 'Make your Own' kit designs

Bettsy Kingston Pinny & Ruffle pant kits have been a huge hit here at The Haby Goddess. Now this new 'Swedish Flower' design has been added to both kits. Teamed with a hot pink polka dot inside, the covering fabric with flowers is a nicely weighted cotton.

The ruffles have already been roll hemmed for you so you only need to sew it together!

Pinny & Ruffle pants are available in the online store

Sweetie Petites are now in store

These adorable Sweetie Petites Doll kits are from Sydney based The Red Thread.

Influenced by vintage and Japanese kawaii styles, there are 4 adorable designs to choose from and all come with fabric panels, stuffing, ribbon to make a little hanging loops and sewing instructions. There's even a little note from the designer to you. The only other thing you'll need is a sewing machine or needle and thread.

Available now in the Online store

Sewing with PVC

95% of my sewing is for my children's label where most items have a PVC component.

Adding PVC to your project can be a little tricky at the start but if you take your time and try a few of these tips you will be amazed at how simple it really is. PVC makes items more durable, easy to clean and also weather/water proof. It will add a whole new dimension to your sewing.

PVC is available in a few different weights. 8 gauge is generally the thinnest. This thickness is used mostly for adding to fabric items such as aprons, bags, bibs etc. A heavier thickness such as 20 gauge can be added to make wallets or table/floor covers, items that will need to be a little more durable.

Most of the larger fabric retailers or Clark Rubber styled stores stock clear PVC by the roll. It comes in clear, printed or flannel backed. It's very reasonable priced.

My number one tip for sewing with PVC is to use a walking foot (even feed foot), without the guiding arm, on your sewing machine. As fabric and PVC are two different mediums, PVC can tend to get pushed along and pucker with a normal sewing foot. Any sized machine is capable of sewing basic, light weight PVC projects.

Secondly, work with the fabric as your top layer. Working with stretch/knit fabrics and PVC are extremely difficult so try to use non stretch fabrics cut with the grain.

Remember when cutting out your PVC pattern , only use pins within the seam allowance (it will leave pin holes) Try a paper clip wher you can't use pins.

Thirdly, the choice of machine needle is also really important. Generally I use a size 14 Denim needle with a normal good quality thread but if you are using a heavy PVC weight then try a leather needle. It will puncture the PVC so it is best to use a heavier thread. Also when using a leather needle don't back sew as you will get holes everywhere, tie threads off.

If I was making an apron as pictured with a PVC outer layer, I would sew the two pieces together with a large straight stitch and trim the seam before adding the bias. Zig Zag stitch also works well on PVC and has a great effect. Some other basic tips not to forget.

1. A light weight PVC can stretch (and stick) when warm. Try to keep the room temperature that you are working in as cool as possible.
2. PVC & Fabric can also be overlocked. Again be aware of the needles you are using and have fabric as your top layer.
3. When PVC is added to fabric it can be machine washed in some cases. use a laundry bag and gentle cycle. If the PVC is light weight, machine washing tends to crease PVC. It cannot be ironed. Best to wipe over with a damp cloth. Sponge any bias.
4. When purchasing PVC, ask that it be rolled and not folled.

Flat backed button shells now in two sizes.

After the initial demand for the 7/8 inch flat backed button shells, I have now added 1 1/8 inch (28.5mm) to The Haby Goddess online store as well.

You can also purchase additional shells sets without the tool which works out a little cheaper.

A week of re-stocking & new products.

These DIY kits are always a favourite as all designs include gorgeous designer fabrics, grosgrain ribbon, thread and instructions. All fabric is precut so all you need to do is sew! Perfect for the beginner sewer.

Parisian dresses can be worn on there own or even double as a pretty swing top when they become to short for your little one.

This adorable fabric design is to make a cute little swing top

And yes, the Henna Parisian is back!! All designs pictured are available in the online store.

Also expected to arrive this week are more Pettiskirt Kits by Dream Spun. It also includes this super cute mini pettiskirt sized perfectly for the toddler princess.

Flat Backed buttons are also due in and will include a larger 1 1/8 inch and you will also be able to purchase additional buttons without having to purchase the tool kit.

New Bettsy Kingston Ruffle Pants & Pinnie Kits will include this fabulous design

Meet Petunia!

This Melly & Me pattern of Petunia the Pig has been made into a 'Softie for Mirabel'. It was made by Katy and she has done an amazing job. It is just adorable.

Upcycling or Recycling!

Ok, lets start with the obvious.

What is the difference between upcycling & recycling?

Well according to Associated Content, recycling involves chemical transformation procedures. For example, through a chemical process, old plastic bottles can be turned into a durable fabric. On the other hand, trimming down the front of a cereal box and binding it into a notebook cover requires only physical processes, and therefore by this definition would be considered upcycling.

That's seems simple enough so here is a treasury of some very crafty upcyclers!

1. On The Bead has created Steampunk Cufflinks from watch movements
2. Now how could I not include these 'Repurposed Envelopes' of the wonderful Where the Wild Things Are?
3. Apple Green hand rolled beads
4. To keep a haby theme Amalia Versaci has used vintage zipper slides to make a pair of studs.
5. Upcycling vinyl billboard into bags & wristlets like Seen1 has done is proving very popular.

New Pattern Stock plus a giveaway!

The Haby Goddess is a new stockist of Little Bird Patterns. A Brisbane based team that specialise in creating basic paper patterns for the beginner sewer.

You will remember a short while ago I made a pair of Pj's in the Saffron Craig fabric. The top to this pj set was in fact The Summer Fling Pattern. A great versatile pattern that can be made into a dress or little swing top - even pj's! The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. I am confident that any beginner sewer would be able to follow these patterns.

But just to make sure. I have 'Lisa' a facebook fan and someone who is just beginning to sew, on the job. Lisa has been sent the Cobana pants pattern and is going to make up a pair and write and review to share.

These range of patterns plus more are now available in store. And remember, if you ever have a question regarding these patterns either prior to purchasing or once you start sewing, just ask!

Now for the giveaway part......... I have two fantastic patterns to giveaway.

All you need to do is enter all your details here (so I can contact you if you win) and tell me which pattern you would prefer to win. Simple! Closes 31st Oct, 5pm AEST

A piece of cake

WOW! How amazing is this cake?

Bobby Pins

These bobby pins are 5cm in length with a 10mm pad. The perfect size to add your flat bottomed fabric covered buttons, yo-yo's, crocheted flowers or absolutely anything.

Available in packs of 25 bobby pins here in the online store.

My Melbourne Craft Expo Wrap Up

For me, getting to the expo means a window of only a few hours. When I take into account travelling time, school drop offs and pick ups, I only actually had 3 hours. It was plenty for me as I attended a workshop, checked out all the stalls and watched a few demonstrations.

This little bag is the result of the Creative sewing with Pfaff workshop. It was my very 1st attempt ever at Stippling. It was completely nerve racking (but fun). My result isn't very good - only room to improve I say! It's the only workshop I have ever attended where the demonstrator had to remind you to breathe!!

We used the fancy pants Pfaff Quilt Expession 4.0 (RRP approx $3000). It does have a million and one functions, whether or not you would use them is another thing. One function I did love was the walking foot is permanently attached - you just disengage it when not in use. The tying off function and the foot levers I found a little bit slow & tiresome.

As for the stalls, there was a good mixture of fabric, beading & scrapbooking. But they were all a little similar. For example, all fabric/quilting stalls carried huge amounts of accessories that you can really get anywhere.

I was wanting to be excited by something new, something we hadn't seen before. In the world of haberdashery there was nothing. But I did find myself stalking the Barnes stall. They have released a fantastic range of kits to make your own resin jewellery & accessories.

The other fav stall was Can Do Books. They had a great range of books covering all areas of craft. A couple worth mentioning include Fabricate by Susan Wasinger with really clear images of the modern projects. I just loved the laminated felt sleeve for a notebook or the like. The other one I wanted to buy was 49 1/2 Skirts by Alison Willoughby. It shows how to take one simple skirt pattern and then embellish with numerous materials and techniques.

Overall, it has fun. Anything to do with the crafting industry usually is. We are a happy bunch of people.

Have a great weekend!

Flat Backed Button Shells

Create your own hair clips and accessories with these flat backed button shells. They are 7/8 of an inch or 22mm. They include the tool needed to cover the button with fabric. Postage is also included in price to anywhere in Australia. International postage is only a little more. Available now in the online store.

Bobby pins that you can attach to these flat backed shells are also coming soon!

Back in Stock

The online store has now been restocked with all sizes of metal backed button kits. Cover your own with some gorgeous fabrics and use them for anything!

If you don't want to cover your own, remember online store has a great range of the lovely Buttons by Lou Lou. And we are having a Buttons by Lou Lou giveaway - all details here!

I also received a new shipment of Pettiskirt kits today . Available in Baby Pink and Hot Pink.

Melbourne Craft Expo

I'm planning to visit the Craft Expo on Friday and will be heading straight to the workshop areas for the Creative Sewing with Pfaff, The Yarn Lounge and Bernina 'Sew & Show' Apron Challenge. The program looks loaded with plenty to do. Tickets are $15 per adult with children under 5 free. Starts Thursday and ends Sunday. Open 10am to 4.30pm at Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Are you going?

What interests you most when you visit craft/sewing expo's?

New Buttons by Lou Lou stock plus a giveaway.

It was happy days when I opened my package from the lovely Lou from Buttons by Lou Lou today. Along with some of the favourites that fly out the door were a few newies as well. All designs will start to be added back into the online store

Now for the giveaway part! Lou has also given The Haby Goddess 2 of her adorable elastic headbands to give away. So from now until next Friday 9th September, 2009 at 5pm AEST, everyone who purchases a packet of Buttons by Lou Lou fabric covered buttons from The Haby Goddess online store will go into the draw to win one of these two headbands. Buy two packets, get 2 entries, Easy!

Adorable Matryoshka Doll fabric by Kokka

This fabric has so many dimensions to it. Various sized Russian dolls, gingham and patterned stripes work beautifully together in this Linen/Cotton blend.

112cm wide with the pattern repeated every 30cm.

Available now in the online store

PDF Patterns

The number of PDF patterns available online is growing daily. We need only to spend a few dollars to have access to patterns from all over the world and in most cases they are delivered to your inbox within 24 hours. Listed below is just a few examples of the sorts of patterns you will find.

1. Linda Made picnic purse pattern.
2. Leila & Ben's Sweet Little Bolero Jacket for your little one! Pair with a tank or long sleeves and jeans or jean skirt for a perfect spring outfit.
3. Mary Jane slippers pattern for both you and your little one.
4. Miss Lily Dress Pattern quick and easy dress with a bubble hem and a peasant style gathered top.
5. Woolhalla pdf pattern makes these very cute felt horses.

Don't forget that The Haby Goddess also stocks some adorable PDF patterns too!

Make your own Pettiskirt - this kit has everything you need

Don't let sewing mountains of chiffon put you off. This kit includes everything you need to create an adorable pettiskirt including an easy to follow pattern in your choice of size, ‘miles’ of soft no-fray chiffon, elastic for a snug fit, and a satin-y material for the waistband. All details are mentioned in the online store listing, along with what skills you will need.This project, when completed, will keep the little ballerina in your world busy for hours. I can already visualise trips to the supermarket as she refuses to take it off! Available now in the online store.

Handmade Bias Binding - Group 2 now available

This 2nd group of handmade bias binding by Polly Danger is just as beautiful as the first!

Available now in the online store.

Polly Danger handmade Bias

This parcel of Polly Danger bias which arrived today is every bit as divine as I had expected. Handmade from adorable vintage inspired fabrics, fabric is pre-washed, pre-shrunk and double folded. Double fold bias tapes have been ironed once at both raw edges, and then ironed again in half. Each packet is 3 yards in length and 12mm wide in it's finished state. I have a great selection of designs which I have now begun to upload into the online store.

As a bonus: The first 3 sales of this divine tape will also receive one packet of covered buttons at no extra cost, again from the Polly Danger range and covered in divine vintage inspired fabrics.