Melly & me

Nearly going!

I thought I would pop in quickly as a last post before I head off to Houston!  There is only tomorrow left and there is still too much on my "to do" list so I will say goodbye now.

The last few days have been a hive of activity. With a lot of help I have gotten a lot complete in little time!!  I have created my new Magoos, whom I have completely fallen in love with, as well as many other boring things like curtains (thanks Claire!), canvases, quilt binding and pole scrunchies.

And today I picked up the two stunning baby quilts that Emma from Ballarat Patchwork so kindly and wonderfully made for me!

Aren't they just the cutest!!?? 

Now with only one day left, I think I had better start thinking about packing and finding some missing samples!  If you happen to be coming to Quilt Market - please come and visit me at booth 616, I would so love to meet you!.  If you are not coming to Quilt Market, I promise to give some updates where possible on Facebook.

Getting nervous now!!!  Bye-Bye.

Melly.

Thank-you doesn't even sum it up!

Despite the madness, chaos and stress; this week I have discovered just how blessed I am.  How blessed to have friends, colleagues and family who are so willing to drop everything to help, even when I am too proud to ask.

This post is dedicated to those people - those gorgeous souls!

My fabric sampling arrived yesterday afternoon which heralded the beginning of peek hour!  Mad cutting, piecing, posting, sewing and not-sleeping.  But just when I had come to the conclusion that there was not that much I could accomplish any more, I have had amazing people offer to help!  

It started with the wonderful Anita at Hillside Quilting who said that she could quilt a quilt for me at short notice with a 1 - 2 day turnaround so that I could have a quilt ready for the bed in my booth - LIFESAVER!! Thanks Anita - this was one of my biggest stresses so you have no idea what this means. Here is the quilt top that I spent my night-time sewing to get to Anita first thing this morning.

Next was the offer from Emma at Ballarat Patchwork.  This was so surprising and so generous and just blew me away. Emma offered to sew some samples for me if I could express post the fabric to her today and she would find a way for the samples to get back to Melbourne before we leave.  What a woman!!! Emma is ever so kindly making me 2 small cot quilts that are a part of the Windham advertising.  I had though I would have to do without these, even though it grieved me - but now I have a quilt maker/quilter extraordinare whipping them up for me!  You are the best Emma!

Then a phone call this morning from my lovely friend Claire from Matching Pegs who wanted to know when she could come and how she could help.  She is popping over to spend the day with me tomorrow getting my booth curtains made and is also grabbing some fabric to take home and whip up one of her amazing aprons and chef's hats for the fabric display.  Good company, a supportive ear, and amazing help!  Thank you, thank you!

Am I just the luckiest??!!!

Then I cannot forget the lovely Janelle Wind who repeatedly offered her help if I could sent fabric to her!  Unfortunately the timing could not work anymore as the post just wouldn't get back to me before I leave.  But she still helped me hugely in her support and in sending me this gorgeous phone pocket as a surprise!!

Thank-you to my beautiful sister Rosie who offered to help (although sneakily I wont take her up on it as she needs to get ready for Houston herself), and my loving Mummy who also was very willing to pull an all-nighter with me!

And last but not least a big thank you to all of you who have sent me encouraging messages here, on facebook and by email!   I feel so blessed, Thank you. x x x Melly.

Time for reality

I tend to have this funny habit of pretending that big events aren't approaching and that they almost don't even exist.  But despite my attempts at delusion, there always comes a point in time where reality must hit.  Well, that point has come! There can be no more ignoring the fact that it is only 8 sleeps until we head off to Quilt Market.  The patterns for sample spree have been put in the trusted hands of a courier company, the catalogue is getting updated, and the packing is about to begin.

Due to unforeseen events out of anyone's control, my fabric sampling for "Little Menagerie" was again delayed and I think at this stage it looks like in may arrive on Wednesday.  This gives me all of 4 days with my fabric before leaving and it is going to be an extreme time of all-nighters to at least get a few things made in time.  So I have been trying to get as much as I possibly can made out of my small strike-off pieces.  I think I have at least gotten a little head start. Firstly I made these two fun "Little Menagerie" Phoebes!  I am just completely besotted with the pink one - she is sooo adorable! A couple of little Hootys!  These guys can't wait to make the journey to the US and promise not to take up too much space in my luggage (thank goodness!) And I couldn't resist the opportunity to make Dahlia a new outfit! 

The strike-off pieces are pretty much exhausted now, so I am stalking the tracking website to see when my packages of sampling will arrive.  I think the delivery person won't know what has hit them when they arrive to my door - I may just kiss them!  

Melly.

Confession!

Ok, I admit it; I am a computer nerd, a geek, I LOVE technology (other than the phone variety!) But even if you are a geek, surely you can do it with style??  

Recently I purchased my new toy - Izzy iPad. Now I have to admit that it gives me great pleasure figuring out a new toy and playing with all of the features.  Maybe it is due to my work history, maybe it is just in the make-up.  Either way, I think there must be a bit of the chic geek in me too as the first thing I thought about when I brought my new toy home, was making it a cute new home!  Yes, the sewing came before the playing!  It was a battle of obsessions.

So here is my new Melly & me pattern - "Chic Geek"

I made this new design out of Rosie's gorgeous "Sweet Broderie" fabrics which was an awful lot of fun! You may not be able to see it clearly on the image, but the iPad cover is so handy.  It has elastic that holds your iPad securely in place and your iPad never has to be removed.  Due to the design, you can charge, use and play with your iPad while it stays cozy, warm and safe in its little skin.  Once you have finished using your iPad, the cover folds up and fits perfectly into its very own matching carry bag.  I think the case would also be the perfect male gift if made using a male print, plain black or even denim.

The next new pattern is for a handbag and matching zippered pouch called "Little Buds".  This pattern can now be released after having been on the "retreat" circuit with me, so may be familiar to a few of you.  This pattern has a cute flower bud applique design and the matching pouch would be great for cosmetics or any other bits and pieces that you want to keep separate in your bag.

And now I am spent!! LOL.  I don't think I have ever written so many patterns in one week and had so many blog posts!  It must be time for the weekend.  I hope you have enjoyed seeing 7 new designs this week, it really does make up for all of that quietness earlier in the year!  Thank you so much for all of your amazingly sweet comments about "Sew Little"  I am so excited that it is finally a reality and can't wait to see where it all goes.

My posts may be a bit slower over the next two weeks as I get into serious sample making mode for Houston.  Only 17 more sleeps until we leave - yikes that has sped by.

Have a lovely weekend!

Melly

Sneaking in early to learn my abc's

OK, so I decided to show the last "Sew Little" pattern early!!  I think I want to keep tomorrow to show a new "Melly & me" pattern or two (yes I know - tooooo many new patterns!!) so I am sneaking this one in early.  

So here is the 5th new pattern under the Melly & me label. This one is called abc-123! As with the "Stuffie Play" pattern, this pattern will include both your traceable templates as well as iron-on transfers for the stitched block. The stitched block is just so precious with different images to represent each letter and number.  

A great pattern to introduce your little one to the world of letters and numbers, being educational while still a lot of fun! I think this is another toy that would be great with the addition of a rattle insert or jingle bell.  The matching smaller applique blocks each have their own unique letter or number. The perfect gift for a baby shower!

So that is "Sew Little" for now, although I hope there will be so much more to add in the coming months (post Houston!!)

I hope you love them all and I will be back again tomorrow with my "Melly & me" hat on!! x x Melly.

PS - If this is your first visit today, scroll down to see the 4th pattern that I showed earlier today.

Baby Pinwheels

The fourth new pattern for "Sew Little" is a cute little cot quilt called "Baby Pinwheels".  You may remember a sneak peek of this from a little while ago.  It was the very first item that I made using Where the Wind Blows, back when I only had little strike off pieces to work with, so it felt very exciting to make.

This quilt is perfectly sized to fit a baby cot/crib but could also be used as a play mat or travel blanket.  I just love the recent popularity of the pinwheel quilting blocks - it has always been a favorite for me.  I love the sense of whimsy and it just brings so many childhood memories streaming back - what child isn't mesmerised by a pinwheel?!  I decided to make these pinwheels a little more realistic in block form, as well as by adding pieced sticks and appliqued centre circles.  I have to admit it is a bit of a favorite! Click on the image to see it in a little more detail.
I really wanted the quilting to make the pinwheels pop and come to life, so I asked Anita at Hillside Quilting to do some heavy free-hand quilting all over the white background with minimal quilting of the actual pinwheels.  I was completely blown away by the beauty of Anita's free hand quilting and the way it all fit every nook and cranny with beautiful flow and precision!  If you are after some fabulous quilting in the area then I recommend you talk to Anita about what she can do for you.  Here is a bit more of a close up to show you the amazing detail!
I hope you love design number 4 and tomorrow I will be back with the 5th new "Sew Little" design which is the final one for now -  I am itching to get stuck into some new designs once Houston and AQM have been attended, so that the "Sew Little" range can grow!  

A few of you have sent me emails asking how soon these patterns will be available, well I am glad to say that all 5 patterns are now written and are ready for order - check with your local patchwork store or email me to find a stockist. 

Melly.

Stuffies!!

The next pattern that is part of the "Sew Little" label may already be familiar to a select few of you who have been in retreat land with me.

This pattern is called "Stuffie Play" and is a set of 4 adorable stitched Stuffies!  These are great gifts for a new baby as they are the perfect size and shape for little hands to hold.  I made one of mine into a rattle by adding a baby safe rattle insert (these can be found here) which makes it all the more appealing to little ones.  The pattern includes both the traceable templates as well as the iron on transfer templates for those with an unsteady hand and who lack tracing patience like me!! If you click on the above image, you should be able to see the individual toys a little clearer.  There is a bunny, bear, angel and giraffe.  The bunny, bear and angel are also loosely themed to make them the perfect gift for Easter, Christmas or Birthday (bear with balloons).

Now that I have shown you pattern number three I must get back to pattern writing and proof reading!  
I am a girl on a mission!

Melly

Bowling buddies....

My second new design for Sew Little is one of my personal favourites. You may recognise this from a sneak peek from last week.  This soft bowling set is made using some of my "Little Menagerie" fabrics and I think these boy and girl skittles are just so cute. This is a great toddler toy to help develop eye/hand co-ordination and have a lot of fun in the process. I can vouch for the fact that the older kids will be amused too - as my bigger-than-toddler kids approve, and have been bowling strikes on my studio floor while I work.

I also wanted to show you what my new "Sew Little" patterns will look like when you finally find them at your local patchwork store!!  I feel so excited to have a new logo and pattern covers - it is all so cute and makes me feel so inspired for new creations!

  

Today I need to get stuck into writing the 5th pattern for this new label so that I can get them ready to go by the end of the week - just in time for my "Little Menagerie" sampling to arrive!!

I also have a couple of new "Melly & me" patterns to share with you this week (once written) - boy there is just so much all at once!  Everything I have been working on all year seems to be culminating at once. At least with all of these new designs I can feel guilt free taking a nice break during December and January!

Hope you like my "Bowling Buddies" and I shall be back - same time, same place, to share number 3 tomorrow!

Melly.

Sew Little

Time to divulge the last secret I have been holding back from you over the past few months - how exciting! Lately I have come to the conclusion that I must be a bit addicted to being busy.  Only a few months ago when we handed over the manuscript for our "Sewn Toy Tales" book, I had a little bit of free time on my hands - so what did I do?  Started dreaming about what I could do next!

It was when I was in Fiji a while ago that I started seriously putting together plans to release a new pattern/design label. Melly & me will still be well and truly in action, but I also felt the need for a bit of a new direction and something a little different to focus on.

So I would like to introduce to you my new pattern label... 

 

As you may have already deducted from the logo, "Sew Little" will be a pattern range aimed as all things baby!  There will be toys, quilts, accessories, decorations and hopefully some clothing as well - all aimed at 0-2s and their mummies.  I hope to play a little more with stitchery and applique in this label and basically just plan to have a whole lot of fun making cute things!

The patterns should be finalised and ready for order by stores at the start of next week, so I thought I might use this week to introduce you to my first five "Sew Little" patterns.  

Today I am introducing you to "Time for a Change". This pattern is for a handy baby change clutch. I wish I had have had one of these when I was in nappy season!  This clutch is great for taking along with you when you want to travel light with your little one.  It folds out to be a wipe clean change mat and has two fold out pockets that are just the right size for your wipes and one or two nappies; fold it all up and take it with you to always be prepared.  This clutch would also easily fit into your nappy bag when you need to carry a little more with you.

I hope that you like pattern number 1 from "Sew Little", and I will be back tomorrow to share the next one with you!   Ahhhhh, no more secrets - what a relief!

Melly