Pretty Florals with a Vintage Feel

Well, that's how I would describe this lovely pile of fabric.

This nice stack is currently sitting on my sewing table, patiently waiting to be made into two single bed quilts for a client.

I can't begin to tell you how much I'm looking forward to working with these delightful prints. We have some gorgeous Art Gallery Fabrics in here, amongst some Moda favourites.

These two quilts will be going to two lovely little sisters whom I had the pleasure of meeting this week, along with their mummy.

'Till I can get started, at least the lovely prints will adorn my sewing table!

Black and Yellow Chevron Love

Literally any day now, a little baby boy will be born, who will get to sleep under this Black, Yellow, Grey and White Chevron Quilt. A local Melbourne girl contacted me, wanting to complete her nursery style with a funky and modern quilt in this colour scheme. Particularly in a Chevron design (see, I told you Chevrons were popular!)

So, after numerous conversations and chats about fabric choices, this was our result. A super funky, and super modern quilt for her new little boy. I am particularly pleased with the technical aspects of this little quilt, and how it turned out. 

It required a bit of thinking to achieve the directional fabric prints to run in the correct way, and that was fun. It was great for my pregnant brain to have to think a bit more! 

The backing is, of course, pieced from left over scraps.

Good news? Caseii absolutely loves her quilt! Which makes me one very happy designer and crafter! 

Caseii, I hope you and your family enjoy it for many years to come! Good luck with your new little boy!

Modern Circle Quilt

I actually made and finished this quilt top some time ago, but as often is the way, it sat waiting to be quilted and finished for a whole year. Being a quilt that is designed to ruffle and fray with love and wear, I just couldn't decide how best to quilt it. I had thoughts of quilting multiple circles all over it; of doing shadow quilting in the fabric circles; endless ideas.

In the end I stuck with what I know, and randomly stipple quilted the whole thing. Love.it.

Sometimes I think it's best to stick with what I know, and what's familiar. My lovely Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0 is fantabulous at stipple quilting, as it allows me to adjust the pivot height and the tension to make it just perfect. Every day I use my lovely big sewing machine, and every day she's a pleasure to work with!

So, on to the circle quilt! The range of fabric is "Ginger Blossom" by Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller. I simply cut a larger circle from a template, then folded that circle into quarters to cut out a smaller inner circle. Then it was just a matter of laying out the circles on some plain white homespun and sewing them down. Very easy and a lot of fun.

The quilt measures about 50" square, and has been washed already to give it that lovely crinkly, fluffy look. The backing was made up with a lovely plain green, mixed in with some scarps from the front.
So a year later, but worth the wait. 

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!