Pattern Testing

I just applied to be a pattern tester for Rebecca Page, a London based clothing designer (she designs other things too).  If I get accepted I will be making something for me every 3 months - yay me-made clothing!  I will just have to slot it into the schedule.

Here's hoping.

oh, this is her blog.....  https://rebecca-page.com/blog/

Sewing for me

After spending months sewing for other people i feel it's time i did some sewing for myself.  I have some fabric I would like to use and an idea that I am going to give a go.

The idea is to sew each of the garments that the blogger of It's Always Autumn has made and put up patterns and tutorials for. She has t-shirts, long sleeve tees and a few different dresses that I quite like.

First up will be a long sleeved tee in a grey stripe knit. This is the base pattern with added long sleeves from which the dresses are made.  It's still winter here and quite cold for Melbourne so I think this will be a great start.

Wish me luck!

To Market, To Market

Going to a local Makers Market next weekend - no not buying a fat pig.

I will be taking my hand knitted shawls, scarves, cowls and headbands as well as some framed embroideries, some hand beaded satin bags and a few crocheted wash cloth sets.  Oh I wil also have a couple of NCWs and two Zipper Wallets.

After the market all that didn't sell will be re-photographed and put up for sale on both my facebook page as well as on my Etsy store.

Here's hoping I don't have to take lots of photos.

Beanies, Hats and Headbands

I have just put up a short video of the beanies, hats and headbands I have on my facebook page.
Pop on over to have a look.
They are all up for sale.

Here's the link:
https://www.facebook.com/Crafting-Joy-735952479816685/

Name change

I have just changed the name of this blog from Joy Belle to

Crafting Joy

to align it with my facebook page of the same name.

The intentions is, once I finish coordinating, designing, sewing costumes, that I will attempt to increase traffic to both this blog and my fb page and improve sales of the items that I make. 

I feel this is a good way to go about it. 

Start of something new

I have been thinking of setting up painting classes at home - something a bit fun for participants and pictures that won't seem too daunting.

Here is one I started today as a class sample.

Only two colours - white and brown - just splodged on the canvas so far.  It will have a variegated daisy once finished done in pink and white with a brown centre.

I have put this pic up on my FB page - hopefully it will garner some interest and I can get the classes up and running.


UPDATE: Dec 2016 - no takers in painting classes :(

long time no see - err read - or something

In case anyone actually reads this blog - my apologies for not having anything to read for the past 10 months.  No excuses, just never got around to writing anything.

I currently have the urge to give my bedroom a make over.  Last time I tried that I got the window coverings sorted - painted the original terracotta vertical blinds a lovely shade of mottled green - and sponged more green paint onto 3/4 of the walls.  The last wall was never done as there is a lot of big furniture and 'stuff' along it - the whole length of it.

Now I am tired of green and want to go white.  So far I have made covers for the blinds and put them on.  They don't sit very well at all.  The fabric - a thick white cotton damask which I quite like - wants to buckle the blades of the blinds.  So of a night we get light in.  Not so bad most nights, but when the back neighbours leave their back light on - well let's just say I may as well have the blinds completely open.

Our bed is a mattress and base.  I have just now this minute come up with a simple idea to cover the base without having a loose valance over it.  Get a fitted sheet in the required colour/pattern, take off the mattress and put said fitted sheet on the base.  Brilliant isn't it?  Why I never thought of that before I'll never know.  All this talk about making / buying a gathered valance, making sure it stays put is now redundant.  I just have to make sure I get one that has a deep enough side wall.  Manchester Department here I come.