Something new...

I felt it was time for a facelift. My blog was in great need of something new and uplifting, so a few tweaks later, and ta-da! I like my new look, and I think it suits me and my blog much better than my previous look.

It's also with great excitement that I can launch my new direction for Missy Mack - my etsy shop! There is a blog button on the right of your screen which will take you to my new shop. It's in early stages still, but Missy Mack is now focussing on handcrafted and bespoke items for sale. I am fortunate enough to be having the opportunity to sell some of my wares through Crumbz here in Healesville, and thought I would do the same online. I really enjoy making items for other people to treasure and enjoy, particularly bespoke and custom quilts.

At the moment I have beautiful bunting, with some bunting featuring the ever popular and gorgeous Owl creatures. This is a new little design I've been working on, and I just love the owls. I have already had some orders, so am hoping they will be popular.  I also have cushions and little purses for sale. In time, many more items will be added, including bags, home wares and decor items, softies and quilts.

I also have a shop at big cartel, which has a few items on it so far. Click here to shop!

My shop will also (hopefully soon!) hold a range of other items, including my own patterns, fabric covered buttons, and even some fabric and bits and pieces from my stash.

Missy Mack is also now on Facebook, so if you are already a member, please head on over and join our page. I'd love to see you there!

In a few weeks I will be attending a stitching day with the lovely Rosalie Quinlan. Rosie is designing something for us Patchwork with Gail B girls as a part of our slightly late christmas break up. Can't wait!

Here are few of my recent purchases - just some things I couldn't pass up!

A bit of teaching...

I'm settling myself slowly into the thought that this will be a year of change. I've never been a fan of change, but I'm actually finding myself looking forward to new things. 

I'm in the process of developing and planning a new direction for Missy Mack, which I'm hoping will be up and running shortly. 

Till then, I am now able to share a new change. I have had the pleasure of being asked to teach sewing at the beautiful home and kitchen wares shop, Crumbz, here in Healesville. With a bit of nervous anticipation, I'm keen to teach something that is a great passion and hobby of mine. The lovely Kay from Crumbz, is offering a number of craft courses, covering sewing, crochet, felting and knitting, so there will be something for all tastes. 

We will be starting off at the end of February with a gorgeous and simple patchwork cushion. Red is not a colour I normally gravitate to, but I love this cushion. Gosh, I could easily become a red fan if all red looked like this. I greatly enjoyed making this cushion, and he now sits quite comfortably on my rocking chair. Pity the red doesn't match my colour scheme!

I will also be teaching a very basic "Learn to Sew" class. Which is for those who maybe have a sewing machine, but really aren't sure where and how to start. In this class we will be making a very simple and very cute purse. The purse is ideal for holding makeup, sewing knick knacks, and probably a variety or other possibilities! 

To make sure this purse was suitable for a beginner, I tried it out on one. My husband! Having little use of a sewing machine, he was a star pupil and together we whipped up the little purse on the right. The result? A nifty purse, and one very proud husband!

We are also planning some other classes, including a patchwork quilt, a tote bag, and many other projects for further in the year. Talk about exciting!

To see the full class list, just send me an email and I'll be happy to forward it to you. 

3 more sleeps...

Yep, not long now and it will be Christmas Day! I am very much enjoying Christmas this year, as it's our first Christmas as a married couple! So I have been busy decorating the house, and baking yummy treats like fruit mince pies, and gingerbread today (if I get myself into gear!)

As always, Christmas tends to sneak up quite quickly, but I'm feeling somewhat organised, and just enjoying the lead up. Sometimes I think I love the week or two before Christmas more than the actual day! 

So, I made a table runner and place mats this year. I used the lovely "Countdown to Christmas" range by Sweetwater. I also made some funky bunting, that is hanging in our kitchen. I love it! And the best thing - it only took half an hour or so to make. One has to love a quick bunting!

Our tree is up, and looking gorgeous. Well, it wasn't up, or gorgeous last night for that matter. We came home to find it had toppled over and landed on the floor. A wonderful surprise of water, pine needles, baubles and dirt  at 9:30pm at night. Never mind, the house still smells lovely from all the pine!

Since we will be having lunch and dinner at our respective parents homes on Christmas Day, I decided to cook Simon our own Christmas dinner, a few days early. I had such fun, and managed to create an amazing and beautiful meal in 2 hours. We had roast pork with crackling, roasted and glazed peaches with feta, vine ripened tomatoes with mushrooms and spinach, roast potatoes and a cranberry punch to top it off. A fabulous and wonderful meal. And yes, can you tell I'm a bit proud of myself??

Lately I have been playing around with some delicious 30's fabrics...

And with bags... and toys. And I have been busy thinking, planning and talking about teaching sewing classes with the lovely Kay, from Crumbz here in Healesville. All such exciting stuff! Hopefully I'll have some further thoughts and plans in the New Year. 

So, I shall stop prattling away, only to wish you all a wonderful and merry Christmas time! May it be a safe one for all your family and loved ones. And remember - Jesus is the reason for the season!