Shrinky stuff take 2

Thank you so much for all of your kind words and wishes about our roller coaster week!  Life goes on and the week is ending a lot better than it started.  It is amazing how you can harness the negative energy and turn it into creativity, and how therapeutic is sewing!?  I love it! 

It sounds like you are all loving the results of the shrinking stuff as much as I am which is great!  I have found out the correct name, and really my name wasn't too far off!  It is called "Shrinking sheet" and it comes in two strengths; 30% shrink and 15% shrink.  The clutch that I made in the last post was using the 30% shrink and I have gone on to make another one using my favorite, Minny Muu...

And then of course it was time to have a play with the 15% shrinking sheet.  I decided to make a little hip-bag and to use two types of quilting on this one.  I did a 1/2" grid on the main bag and followed the line of the flap for the bag closure.  I am quite happy with it and it is interesting to see the different effects with different stitching and the different shrinking percentages...

Of course while I was sewing this one up the best idea came to my mind for something else to make!! That will have to wait until next week I am afraid, but my mind is just exploding with things I want to try!  

For those of you in Australia "Shrinking Sheet" will be hitting the patchwork stores in Jan/Feb and apparently a lot of stores have ordered it in so it should be quite available.  If any shop owners reading this want details of the distributor etc please email me.  For those of you overseas I am not sure if it has hit your shores yet or not but I will try to find out what I can.

I am so glad that I have used this week to have a good play as it seems, in the process, I have started on my handmade christmas without even realising, how good is that!

Another thing I wanted to chat to you all about was the prospect of a "Melly & me" book.  I have decided that over the next month or two I am going to make a start on my first book which is ever so exciting!  The problem is that I keep changing my mind about the theme of the book.  So I thought maybe I could ask some of you what you would hope to see in a book by myself??  I have been thinking about a book of bag patterns (I cant help it - they are still my favorite thing to make!!) I would see this book having patterns suitable for every age and gender.  Of course there is the option of a book full of flossies (softies) and the other thought has been to make two smaller books, one devoted to the little boys in our lives and one for the little girls which would have a variety of projects.  What do you all think?  Any other ideas, suggestions or desires?  I know I can't possibly take on all of your ideas but it would be nice to hear what you all imagine when you think of a book by Melly & me.

May the floss be with you,

Melly

Comments

[sarah c]

Congratulations on deciding to write a book/books! That is a big step, but so exciting! I love reading your blog and seeing what you create, and would love to have a book with some of your ideas in it.

I would love to see a book on things to make for boys! It seems so easy to find thing for girls, but so difficult for boys! I think a lot of people would be interested in that. So many time I just change the color and say it is for a boy, but it would be so nice to have a book of ideas for boys. And if you need a test for any of the pattern let me know ;)

[michelle]

wow a book would be wonderful...i like the idea of a boy, girl book...maybe one that has girls for the first half and then you flip it over and the boy cover and pages are on the reverse side...that way you can cover both genders...
LOVE the shrinky stuff...

[anina]

This stuff is amazing!

[Rebecca Woods]

Well a book would be so cool. I am thinking Bags would be at the top of my wish list as I am sort of addicted. Then probably the little boy or girl ones. That would be pretty cool too. So that is my though for the day. Hee Hee. Still lovin what you are doing with the shrinky stuff Melly too.

[Susan]

I think a boys/girls books is a great idea. I have a little boy and it is difficult to find inspiring patterns. If you need a test sewer, drop me a line!
Susan

[Amber Carrillo]

I think all those ideas are fabulous - someone should give you a 5 book deal :-)
You two are just so creative...and I'm LOVING the shrinky stuff!! That bag is soo cute!

[kris]

Yes! Sewing is theraputic! Very calming and it tends to take you out of yourself and away from your problems. Your book ideas are great. My suggestion is to make it pretty, cause I buy books to look at, to be inspired by, rather than to make anything from! If it's pretty, I want it!

[Jackie]

Love the second bag too with the 15% shrink! Fantastic a new book by you, how exciting! Really any topic would be great because this would be your 1st book and then the 2nd book could be another topic, then the 3rd.... well you get the picture. I love all that you do and I would purchase the book and make the projects no matter the topic.

[Arlette]

I think a book of softies would be wonderful. After all, when I think of Melly and Me, I think of cute, stuffed, imaginative, and colorful animated softies. And a book full of them. It just couldn't get any better than that!
Aloha!

[gertie]

How about a book with a little something for everyone? Gift ideas from newborn to Grandma? Whatever you decide it will be gorgeous and a bestseller!

[Amy (Badskirt)]

Congrats on considering writing a book. I'd suggest a book that combines ideas. Maybe you could choose a theme like "it's a jungle" and have both jungle themed softies and bags (either named after jungle things, using animal fabrics or just a hint of animal in them like a zipper pull). You could also have a jungle themed quilt or embroidery.

It doesn't have to be "it's a Jungle" but you get the idea. Fairytales or Holidays are good themes too. Not sure if this helps. I'd also prefer to see new patterns instead of the ones you already publish.

Cheers!
Amy

[sandy]

I think a book would be great-past, present, or future patterns. Go with your gut feeling and run with it...it will be a hit..your ideas are unique and fun.

[Alana]

Love them both!

[Sarah Ness]

I can't wait to see what you come up w/ for the book! I was going to suggest something nearly identical to what Michelle (2nd comment) suggested since I just finished going through a Mini Boden catalog. Looking forward to the new book!

[Renee]

I definitely like the idea of the boys and girls books. As much as I love making bags - I really adore making presents for kids!

[Caitlin]

I would love a book full of flossies! I have a weird love for soft toys!

[Car]

I love the effect of that 2nd bag with the shrinky fabric :)

A book with melly & me patterns would be awesome.

[Mandy]

Can I pre-book now?
Honestly though Melly, we will love what you love.

[maree]

Congratulations on the Book Idea I think it is Great...In My opinion I would buy a Book with a bit of Everything so their is lots of Variety for Gift Giving...am Loving that Shrinking sheet can't wait to get hold of that to play with...keep up the Good Work....You Both are Very Inspiring ladies...
cheers

[Sarah L]

I was going to add about flipping it over one side boys and one girls with mixed in the middle, but Ive already been beaten to it.
I love that shrinky stuff!!!!! I love any of your stuff in a book.

[Simone]

What you made is gorgeous! About your book: it would be great to have a book with boy toys, softies, quilts etc. There is so much less to find for boys (my opinion). It's the same with clothes. But I guess I would be happy with any book you write. I don't think I've ever seen a patterns I didn't like!
Have a wonderful weekend (O:

[Andi]

Bring on the book! Can I order mine now?

[PhatSheep textiles]

How excitign that you are thinking to produce a book, I'm sure anything you do would be great and very popular.
I'd love to see a book full of ideas for kids inlcuding some of your great softies and blanket, and definately some good projects for boys would be a great inclusion.
Good luck

[Tina Poulsen]

I would looove a softies book!!! Maybe a book devided in two... boys and girls :)
But all the book-ideas are so great :)

[Stephanie]

Do you dream bags? You have the most amazing talent. Love the second bag. Oh a book from you. Yes, please do it. I like the bag and flossie combination best or two smaller books...one bags, one flossies. Whatever you decide it will be filled with goodness and sure to be a wonderful seller.