Just Chevrons

I didn't have long to enjoy the finished result of my little Chevron Quilt. It was bound and photographed and placed on Etsy for sale, and within 4 days it was sold to the United States. 

I am so pleased that it will be going to a lovely home, where it will be hung on the wall as a feature piece of a girls bedroom. I'm sure it will bring some lovely colour and vibrancy to her room, and I hope she enjoys it for many years to come. Who knows? Maybe when this girl is older she will use it for her children. It's a nice thought to think! 

I just love the Kumari Designs range of fabric that was used for this one. It really is a fun range of fabric to work with, and I love the sassy colours. The quilt design and colours have proven to be really popular on Etsy, with already some interest in custom orders. See? I told you Chevrons were popular!

I'm anticipating releasing a pattern for this Chevron Quilt in the near future - getting back into the swing of writing patterns again is going to be interesting!

And for those interested, we are now 19 weeks and 3 days along in our pregnancy. The baby is moving around quite a bit now, which is so incredible to feel. I can't feel it on the outside as yet, so hopefully Simon will get to feel a few big kicks soon. We have our next scan coming up in a few days! 

Vintage Finds and Chevron Prettiness

I've definitely been noticing a rise in the popularity of Chevron designed quilts and fabrics. It's stemmed from the US and has been greatly encouraged by modern examples of these quilts showing up on places like Pinterest. It's not only popular in quilts, but also in home decorating, with many nursery walls being adorned with Chevron wall papers. There are even countless tutorials online for how to paint your own Chevron walls, rugs, or create bracelets. The options are endless when it comes to Chevrons so it seems!

It makes me think and wonder of how designs and items actually become popular. Obviously the internet has a lot to answer for now, with the instant spread of popular designs. It's almost like a cult like fever that sweeps around creative people, each one not wanting to be left out of the new fad. It's funny how we all naturally follow the crowd!

So, here I am, joining in with the multitude of Chevron fuss! I've been playing with a Freespirit Fabric Roll, called Kumari Garden, by Dena Fishbein. It's a really pretty palette of sassy pinks, and vibrant aquas, with a real exotic flavour. It's fun!
So after a bit of maths and brain work, I figured out a way to cut the strips with less waste, and ensure I get my lovely zig zag style. I'm just putting the final finishing touches on this little cot quilt, so I'll be back to show the finished look soon.

A lady came into the shop quite a few weeks ago, not aware of the fuss she would create between staff members! For under her arm, and tucked up in an innocent shopping bag was a truly vintage quilt made entirely from original 1930's fabrics.

The flutter that was sent through myself and fellow staff member Louise when the quilt was unveiled, nearly shocked the lady, who thought we must have been quite mad. But seriously - a 1930's hand pieced quilt! It was just delightful and oh, so pretty. Some one, and sadly, we don't know whom, put in a lot of work and effort to stitch this beautiful creation at least 50 or 60 years ago. They sadly never got around to completing it, leaving it just as a quilt top, and lacking it's final finishing touches. The lady who bought the piece in, was just handed the quilt by a great Aunt, and had actually thoughts of handing it into an Op Shop. The aghast looks on Louise and my face suddenly set her to realise how precious and important this piece of history was. The quilt deserved to be loved, and deserved to be finished and enjoyed for how valuable it is.

After many gracious volunteers on Louise and my part to 'take on the quilt,' and 'look after it,' and 'give it a good home,' the lady decided to infact keep it, and do the quilt justice by finishing it. And as much as Louise and I would have loved to 'share' the quilt between the two of us, (more like a fight to the death till one was victorious,) we were grateful to see it would be finished.

What I also found to be wonderful about this quilt, was the fact that our reproduction 1930's fabrics, of which I am a HUGE fan of, are so true and so similar to their original counterparts. It was delightful to recognise so many similar characteristics and designs and colours of the fabrics, which are now readily available for purchase on our shelves. It was beautiful to have witnessed and seen this delightful quilt, which we now hope will be a treasured and finished item, handed down to generations to come.

Handmade Patchwork Quilts

Change is one of those funny things. Normally I avoid it at all costs, happy to stay in my familiarity and comfort. Like most of us, I'm sure!

But Missy Mack has been evolving and changing, and I'm loving it! I first started this blog to share my latest sewing creations, and to connect with other crafters worldwide. And I guess, that hasn't actually changed. Everyone loves a bit of show and tell, and a good chat. Add some chocolate in there, and a Chai Latte and I'm a happy little chick!

I feel like I am finally falling into something I have always dreamt of doing - making and selling my handmade items. Particularly Patchwork Quilts. I find great enjoyment in designing and creating quilts, and seeing other people appreciate and love them. I sold a cute little pony quilt, made from Heather Ross fabric to the US a few weeks ago, and gosh, I was so excited! To think that something I have made is now being used by a family for their baby. I love it!

So, my show and tell for today are some quilts that I have listed on Etsy. Gee, what a fun site that is. I am constantly inspired by the talented people on Etsy.
These two are Cot Quilt size, and the actual pictured quilts aren't for sale. Instead, a custom quilt will be made in the buyers choice of colours and fabrics. I find it great fun working with clients to choose the right fabrics for them. It's great to put in that personal touch through a favourite animal or colour.

So, I'm a pretty busy, but rather happy girl at the moment, and Simon is getting used to hearing all my 'etsy talk.' He is a wonderful support in all my endeavours. Bless his gorgeous heart.

Snapshots from my life

Just some pieces from my life over the last few weeks. Whilst I'm awfully busy, I'm trying to take time to appreciate the simple things, like listening to the rain on our tin roof, or cuddling up on the couch drinking Chai Lattes, (gosh...mega chai latte fan here.)

The above pictured apricot pony quilt, from Heather Ross fabric, sold a few weeks ago to the United States. I now have the French Provincial style quilt pictured above also on Etsy for sale. I am thoroughly enjoying making and selling quilts.

And of course - our beautiful little picture of our baby, Possum. Taken at our ultrasound at 12 weeks and 6 days. Two very proud parents right here! 

A little secret...

...can you tell what it is?

Need more clues? 

How about now? 

Still can't tell?? 

Surely you must know my secret now!

Thanks to the wonderful Pinterest for all the photos. As to their links and who they belong to - I've lost it! If you see a photo that's yours - please tell me!

Today, one year ago...

... I walked down the altar to find my amazing, handsome, loving and incredibly generous man at the other end.

Happy Anniversary, my gorgeous husband! I love you so much!

This is what happens when you get married...

...you get busy. And put on weight.
*sigh*

I hate to admit that I have put on 4-6kgs (ok, it's probably more like the higher end of that scale...being an 6kg addition, but that just sounds so awful,) since our wedding, almost ONE YEAR AGO! So I'm not that crazy about those extra kilos, but I am awfully thrilled about our first year of marriage. It's been incredible, and I am so super blessed by God, and by my husband!

But, back to the point at hand. Marriage is far too comfortable. Has anyone else experienced this?? Please tell me it's common and I'm not the only one. I am kicking myself with frustration though, as I had already managed to loose 40kgs some 5 years ago. And now I can see how easy it is to fall back into bad habits. Not fun.
So, a new day dawns tomorrow with another well intentioned plan to do away with chocolate and snacks. Let's hope I can slowly get there again!

Anyway, I may well have been absent from my blog, but have super busy on Etsy; have been getting distracted on Pinterest, have been sewing a lot, and working hard. Life is great, just busy!

So, I thought I would quickly share some things that have been happening. Firstly, I've had quite a few orders for my Owl Buntings, over on Etsy. They are proving to be popular, so that is quite exciting.

What is also becoming popular in my shop are the Embroidery Hoops with delightfully pretty fabrics, like typewriters and clocks.

My sewing classes are going quite well, and in a few days we start a Patchwork Cushion Cover class, so I'll hopefully have some photos to share then.

I've been buying a lot of pretty fabric lately. This particular set is awaiting approval to be made into an Owl Bunting. I think it will look rather cute!

 And, I've also been spending a lot of time with my husband. *insert silly love sick grin here.*

If you want something done...

...ask a busy woman.
Or so the saying goes.

To be honest, I don't feel like I'm getting anything done. Just staying busy.

I taught my first sewing class last week, a "Learn to Sew" for beginners. Whilst I felt there were things to improve on, there were a lot of "Ahahh!" moments from my students. So that was immensely encouraging! Of course, in my busyness to teach, I failed to take any photos of the class, or of their finished projects! Which were 4 very cute little purses.

I'm definatley looking forward to teaching my next class and improving on my first.

So I've been spending a bit of time on Pinterest lately, and cruising through lots of inspiring photographs. And all I keep doing is adding to my "Things to make" board, which in turn, makes me busier. Never ending cycle!

But oh so fun. And one thing I really would like to try my hand at is this.

Making my own Batik fabric. I'm really looking forward to playing with this someday soon. Check out the tutorial here.

And just to announce the winner of my giveaway - congratulations to Nlcalender! I did the whole, random number generator thing, and forgot to take a screenshot before I closed the window. *sigh* So you will all just have to trust me!
Thanks for entering!