Friday Finds - Fabric Storage Ideas

If you feel like your 'fabric stash' could be on an episode of Hoarders then these Fabric Storage Ideas are for you.  I have a thing about organising my mess craft supplies at the moment, as I'm in the process of organising space to create (this will be a post later on, no doubt) so while I was searching for inspiration I came across these great ideas to store fabric. And seeing as it's Fabric Week around here (see My Inspiration Monday - Fabric Fixation, Tutes Cute Tuesday - 18 Fun with Fabric Tutorials and Thrifty Thursday - 24 Upcycled Fabric Scrap Projects) it was only appropriate to show you how to store  fabric using some upcycling ideas to make it look pretty at the same time.

Cot Frame Fabric Storage

DIY Over the Door Hanger

Filing Fabric

Fabric on Hangers

Scrap Fabric Storage

Fabric Organisers

Custom Cabinet Fabric Storage

Happy Organising xx

Thrifty Thursday - 24 Upcycled Fabric Scrap Projects

Scraps, scraps, more scraps!  They are no doubt, abundant in every craft, sewing or creative space everywhere. Cast aside for a rainy day, they tend to pile up quite quickly and are most often admired for their cuteness but not for their usefulness.  Here are some cute scrap fabric projects to get you inspired to start using and upcycling some of those scraps (rainy day not required) to make them useful.

Fabric Stamps Tutorial
Fabric Scrap Gift Tags
Scrap Hearts Card
Bunting Card
Fabric Envelope Tutorial
Paper Clip Fabric Bookmarks
Bunting Gift Wrap Decoration

Pippa Cuff Tutorial

Scrap Fabric Bunting Necklace Tutorial
Happy Scrappy Headband Tutorial
Fabric Button Bobby Pin Tutorial
Recycled Scrap Necklace Tutorial

How to make a Dress Up Girl game
Matching Scraps Memory Game

Alphabet Set

Drawstring Bag Tutorial

Body Outline Fabric Collage

Fabric House Tutorial
Scrappy Bunting
Fabric Scrap Spool Bunting
Ticker Tape Canvas
Scrap Fabric Canvas Art
Scrappy Bunting Tea Towel

Vintage Sheet wrapped Frame Tutorial

For more scrappy ideas check out my Fun with Fabric Pinterest Board to get inspired.

Happy Sewing xx

Tutes Cute Tuesday - 18 Fun with Fabric Tutorials

Seeing as it's a fabric inspired week around here, I thought I would round up some cute fabric tutorials for Tutes Cute Tuesday. I've tried to share tutorials of all difficulty levels.  I'm a bit of a novice sewer, and I found a few that I might even try!

There are so many tutorials out there (like in an overwhelming type of way) to get you inspired, however if you have a few favourites that you have found in your travels, please share the link below in the comments.

Floor Cushion Tutorial

One Seater Floor Cushion Tutorial

Sit Upons Tutorial

Jelly Roll Floor Pillow Tutorial

DIY Tablet Case Tutorial

Reusable Lunch Bags Tutorial

Keep your Cool Smartphone Case

Sunnies Case

Wallet-to-Tote-on-go Tutorial

Zippered Book Clutch Tutorial

Simple Clutch Tutorial

Macaron Coin Purse Tutorial

Chevron Clutch Tutorial

Snappy Coin Purse Tutorial

Bandana Bib Tutorial

DIY Reversible Fabric Box

Triangle Quilt Tutorial

Monster Bib Pattern & Tutorial

For more inspiration you can check out my Fun with Fabric Pinterest Board.

Happy Sewing xx

My Inspiration Monday - Fabric Fixation

How did your business come about?

When Lilly was a year old a friend of mine (who was a fantastic sewer) showed me (Amanda) the most adorable dress she made, and fabrics which she had recently purchased. With a nudge towards the sewing machine, she taught me how to make it. I couldn't believe how simple it was, and how pretty it turned out. I was hooked, and started spending quite a bit of my time browsing Fabric & Pattern shops online and started making babies clothes and accessories. Towards the end of 2011 (after a year of spending far too much money on fabrics) I saw that Fabric Fixation was for sale.

 I needed a bit of a challenge so I made Kelly an offer and on Christmas Day 2011 she sent me an email saying it was mine. Panic then set in as what did I know about running a business? Before having Lilly I was a Primary School Teacher, so the two were complete worlds apart. So with help via email from Kelly and help from my mum (who is an accountant) I hit the ground running and haven't looked back since.

Where did the name come from?

I bought the business with the name, but those who love fabric will understand that fabric is a fixation, it is an addiction, and we all have mountains of fabric stashed away somewhere for that project we will do some day. 

Where does my inspiration come from?

The joy I get from this business is seeing the beautiful creations that my fabric gets turned in to. I love it when customers come back to me and tell me what they have made, or email pictures. I have had quite a few customers who have never sewn before. I get these lovely emails asking for all sorts of advice and guidance, then a month or two later the photos are sitting in my inbox showing off their first projects (which are usually very ambitious). I love seeing other people's success and joy at completing a project, and that is why I do what I do.

What do you love about what you do?

Choosing fabric!! Well actually, it is extremely stressful sometimes as when Reps arrive they come armed with suit cases full of everything you can imagine. I'm quite lucky because they come and visit me at home, so I sit with a cuppa (and usually Lilly too, who I have turned into a fabric addict at the age of 4) and we spend an hour or so looking at fabric collections, deciding on which ones we like, which ones customers would like, and which ones we can actually afford. I usually make a yes and maybe pile which I then go through at least three times until I can bring it all in on budget. But it's loads of fun and the Reps are just lovely.

Where do you find time to run your business?

I do most of my work at night when the girls are in bed. I make up the days orders at night and if there is any time left then I will do a little admin work, otherwise my admin work gets done during the days that Lilly is at pre-school and Bella is having a nap. Having the Fabric Reps come to my house is a key factor in making this business work as they come when I'm home and the kids aren't a problem at all. As for my sewing, well that is pretty non existent. I do it when I can which is not often enough so I settle for loving the creations that my customers make and share with me.

What's next for you?

I'm enjoying what I do, and I am enjoying the size of my business. It's doesn't take me away from being a mum which is important for me. It's a business which my family can all be part of. I have been tossing around quite a few future plans. I think if I don't go back to teaching once the girls are both at school then I will open a fabric shop, but whether that is in Christchurch or somewhere in North Canterbury where we live, who knows? 

Source

So watch this space because you may just see some advertising for weekend craft workshops in the country side, or country Crafternoon Teas. One thing I think for certain is that the fabric will win out over teaching as who doesn't love being surrounded by beautiful fabrics every day?

Special Offer
For the month of May, Amanda is giving readers of justalittlebitcute a gift with each purchase. All you have to do is put in Just a Little Bit Cute in the comments box when purchasing from Fabric Fixation online when checking out. Easy!

You can find Fabric Fixation here...
Shop Online: http://www.fabricfixation.co.nz/
Email: fabricfixation@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FabricFixation

These are some of my fabric faves I will be purchasing this
week from Fabric Fixation...

1. Play Date - Campgrounds
2. Bird Song
3. Sweetcakes
4. Gnome Living
5. Town & Country

Happy Sewing xx

Images used with the kind permission of Amanda van Rooy

30 something ways to show Mum some love!

There are many ways to celebrate Mum on Mother's Day from making her breakfast in bed to giving her flowers.  This year put a cute twist on old favourites or create something totally new she will love for years to come.  You can get crafty by making something from scratch or buy something from the talented people I have featured.

I've hopefully covered all budgets, tastes and gift ideas for all those different types of Mums from crafty to sentimental. If in doubt Coffee, Wine or Chocolate (or all three!) usually work too.
It’s also been my experience that significant others tend to need to be reminded that Mother’s day is coming up. If you’d like to be recognized this Mother’s Day, email this list as a reminder to someone special.  

Tell Mum how much you love her… 

Whether it's a keepsake, card or a heartfelt letter, tell Mum how special she is to you with a few meaningful words.

1. Felt Envelope
2. Handprint Mother's Day Card
3. I love you to the moon and back keepsake heart
4. You a Super Duper Tea Towel from Flora Waycott

Say it with flowers…

Let the moment live longer than a week when the flowers expire and give Mum the gift of everlasting flowers.

1. Crochet flowers
2. Thanks a Bunch Mum! card
3. Felt Hearts flowers
4. Paper Flowers

Breakfast in Bed

This only works if a. she is left alone to eat her breakfast in bed and b. the kitchen is left spotless by the time she gets up!

1. Reading the Paper
2. Mother's Day Breakfast Menu Printable
3. Message on Toast
4. Mother's Day Tray Cloth Tutorial

Winter Warmers 

Mum would probably appreciate something warm this time of year, we all know by now that Winter is definitely on it's way, if not here already!

1. Beanie from Giggles & Curls
2. Wool Crochet Gloves from apricot
3. Crochet Slippers from maisemakes
4. Hottie Cover from baby bird

Support her Hobby

If your Mum loves a little crafting then support her in this by gifting her some supplies, project ideas or help to organise the ones she already has.  If Mum has limited space to craft I'm sure she would appreciate a little breathing room to create.

1. Craft Supplies in a jar Tutorial
2. Make by Cath Kidston 
3. Craft Storage House
4. Make her a little Pincushion, this one made by yours truly!

Make her a special cuppa

We all know Mum deserves probably more than a cuppa but these super cute ways to present her with one were just too cute to ignore.

1. DIY Love you a latte Tutorial
2. Sharpie Mug Tutorial
3. You're Tea-rrific Card
4. Mother's Day Tea Tags Tutorial

Baking up a storm

If Mum throws together a pretty good banana cake then chances are she loves baking up a storm so some new supplies wouldn't go amiss in her kitchen, especially ones as cute as these.

1. Whip it Good Recipe Cards (Set of 12) from iDear
2. Thanks for Raising Me Card from iDear
3. Loves to Bake Kit
4. Cupcake Cookie Cutter from Making It!

Give the gift of time out

Sometimes it's the simple things like some time out which is a special enough gift especially for busy Mums who don't have time to think.  I'm no psychic but I bet most Mums would have this at the top of their wishlist for Mother's Day.

1. DIY Mums Time Out Basket idea
2. Cartoon Source
3. Make a Mum's Nook
4. Pedicure at Home Tutorial

Jewellery. Simple.
There are no words really.  Mum's like pretty shiny things, preferably lots of them but anything pretty and shiny will do.

1. Home is where your Mum is Necklace
2. Mother Bird Necklace
3. DIY Fingerprint Pendant Tutorial
4. Tessellation Necklace from Pandemonium

For more ideas and inspiration, check out my Pinterest Board Mothers Day

1. A Tessellation Necklace from Pandemonium.
(for the Mum who likes to look good)

2. Make by Cath Kidston from Fabric Fixation
(for the Mum who likes to craft)

3. Pincushion Cutie from justalittlebitcute.
(for the Mum who likes to sew)

4. Beanie from Giggles & Curls.
(for the Mum who likes to look good and stay warm)

5. Cupcake Cookie Cutter from Making It!
(for the Mum who likes to eat cookies)

6. Hottie Cover from baby bird
(for the Mum who likes to stay toasty)

To be in to win one of these special Mothers Day prizes, I am asking for nominations. Just leave a comment either here or on the facebook page telling us why a special mother in your life deserves to be honoured. Anyone can enter. You can be a child nominating a parent, a husband nominating a wife, a friend nominating a fellow mother or friend…hey, why not nominate yourself?!

The little details:

- one comment per person

- you must live in New Zealand

- giveaway closes on Wednesday 7th May

-prizes will be randomly drawn in order of this list

- make sure there is some way for me to contact you! Please leave an email, or have your name clickable to a profile or something.  If there is no way for me to reach you then I'll have to draw another entry!! This has happened previously, so I wouldn't like to do this and disappoint someone!