Marg Low Designs

something old, something new

Do you have a favourite pattern, one that you keep going back to and never seem to tire of? That's how it is with my Dilly Bag & Needle Keeper pattern.  

I couldn't decide what to make with this fabric.

Then I remembered the dilly bag and thought it would be perfect. I love making this set and know I'm not the only one after hearing the girls who made it in last year's Red Treasures club commenting on how much they enjoyed making it. Some have made more than one to use as gifts.

Would you like to make this set? You can find the pattern and kit here.

I've been working on something new - just a little thing.

Jan and Sue-Anne set me a challenge - I could only use four colours. It's been stitched with the Aurifil Cotton Mako Ne12 thread. Yes I am hooked on these threads.

something new for everyday

It was only when I pulled my sewing bag out in class that I realised it was looking a little worse for wear. Until then it still appeared (to me) as fresh as the day I made it. I actually felt a little embarassed. To me it's much loved but to others it probably looked a little, grubby. Made about two years ago, it goes everywhere with me and is used everyday. Any wonder it was looking a little tired and sad!

The only thing I could do was make a new one.

 
 I didn't intend to make a red one, it just happened!

It's always nice to see one of your patterns made in a different colour. Have a look Florence's blue version of Cherry Cream Squares.  It looks fantastic. I might even prefer it to the red.

How exciting, Joy has asked me to teach at The Material Girl. There's a two day Get Set for Christmas club and a day of Pretty Things. For more details go to Classes & Workshops 2011.

my easter break.......

A little bit of sewing, some gardening, a movie, sunshine and some much needed rain - how perfect is that?

After the scorching summer we've just experienced it's difficult to find anything to photograph. I find myself rejoicing in even the simplest of plants and flowers.  The lush new growth on the succulent and the divine perfume of the mock orange and rose remind me of why I love to garden.

And my little bit of sewing. It rained Saturday afternoon so I had the perfect excuse to make this. It's the only largish bag I seem to make. It's simple and quick (3 hours tops) and just right for showcasing a gorgeous print like this one. 

Now if you would like to make this bag the pattern is on special at AUD$10.00 (including P&H for local and overseas orders), but only for this month. Simply email me margjlow@bigpond.net.au with your order.

I do hope your Easter break has been as enjoyable as mine.

dilly bag & needlekeeper

  This is what I sew with every day, my much loved and used dilly bag and needle keeper. I made this a few years ago out of necessity. I had a bad habit of slipping the needle I was stitching with in the leg of my jeans. While I never jabbed myself, I did tend to lose needles throughout the house when I'd forget it was there and start moving around. The solution, a small needle keeper, attached to the only pair of scissors I use, and a bag to store them in. And it has worked a treat for me. The bag also holds my packets of needles, the reel of thread I'm currently sewing with and my hera marker.

I had been oohing and aahing over some lovely cheddar fabric for ages and finally succumbed to the temptation to buy 3 Fat 1/8's last week. No project, I just had to have them. Does this sound familar? 

 I soon realised what I could make, a new bag and needlekeeper. Plus I got the chance to use these lovely old buttons too. As far as I'm concerned new sewing accessories are just as exciting as new clothes!

Garden Sampler

Now I know this is a bit random and has nothing to do with sewing, but I cleaned out my plastics draws the other day. And found bottoms without lids and lids without bottoms. And I'm talking about 'good' containers, you know Tupperware. The take-away and ice cream containers all matched perfectly. Of course! So this poses two questions: 1. Why did I keep the take-away containers (I would've had a perfectly logical reason at the time) and 2. How did I manage to 'lose' bottoms and lids? Am I the only one this happens too!

While I've been pondering this 'all important' question I did manage to finish the new project and am halfway through writing the pattern (that's probably wishful thinking). I have always had a bit of a thing for samplers so I'm hoping I'll find more time this year to design another one or two.

an afternoon bag

Look what I made yesterday!

I have other bag patterns but somehow I always come home with fabric for this one. Now I'm not really sure why this is. I think its because this simple bag style is 'all about the fabric'. And when you love such a beautiful print as this one why cut it up into small pieces.

I also love quick and simple projects. With only two fabrics to coordinate - I don't have to think too hard about what's going where. It also gives me the chance to use a buckle from my great Aunt Ivy's sewing stash. But I think the real reason is you can shop for the fabric in the morning, have lunch with a friend, and still have the bag made by tea time.