Marg Low Designs

had to share

  Here are the decorations the girls, Beth, Chris, Sue and Else made in class today.

I didn't realise they had nearly all chosen the same button (Whimsical Santa). It's nice to see how they work with the different fabrics. I think this is one of the reasons why I love classes so much - I get to see all the various combinations without the effort!

Avonleigh have made up some very tempting kits. Yes, I did want to bring one home, simply so I could look at it!

During the week I dropped in at Stitch N Patch at Lilydale. Doreen and I've been chatting on the phone for a couple of years now and it was so nice to finally catch up with her. I wasn't sure where to look first, there were so many beautiful things to see. (Sorry I didn't take photos - next time though.) I also got to meet the Thursday Sit and Sew girls and share some of Cathy's birthday cake and in return the girls got to look and handle lots of my samples. I don't know who enjoyed it more!

Snowmen class

I don't know who was more thrilled the girls who came to class last Wednesday or me. They all finished the project with time to spare. I have to admit I was a little surprised.  

 Here they are, The Snowmen.

What a nice way to spend an evening, with a little sewing, lots of laughter and chatter and a finished project!

 

gardening, christmas and Mamre House

The last few days have convinced me that spring has arrived. So you won't be surprised to learn I spent part of the weekend in the garden. And I'm so glad I did, and not simply so I could enjoy the beautiful weather. Last year I thought the weeds had taken over but this year they are even worse! I didn't think that was possible. What's that saying about one weed, seven years......? If you know how it goes please let me know.... or maybe not. It doesn't do to think about!

  These are so much nicer to look at than weeds. The daisy does have weed potential but right now I'd be thrilled if the beds were overflowing with this happy hardy plant.

Belinda brought her not quite finished Festive Gift Bag to Christmas club on Saturday. Who wouldn't love to receive this filled with treats. I get a real buzz out of knowing the projects are finished and not in the UFO pile.

Now I've also started work on the Mamre House projects. This year it's being held on the 24 & 25 October. More on that next time and maybe a sneak peek at some projects.

Attic Crafts - class & trunk show

Dolls were responsible for rekindling my interest in hand-made textiles. I sometimes wonder if I'd never made that first doll, a Linen & Lace Angel by Country Friends (Wendy Brigg) whether I would ever have discovered the pleasures of stitching and joy in quilting.

The first doll was so addictive, I made eight (yes, 8)  in next to no time. Having dabbled with dressmaking, doll clothes were a refreshing change. For starters, they didn't have to be removed! No collars, cuffs button holes, zips....pants, sleeves and necklines could be gathered with a piece of thread and clothes stitched to the body so they sat nicely. A liberating experience!

If you would like to learn doll making, need a refresher class or are simply mad about dolls, I will be teaching Christmas Belle at Attic Crafts on 20 November.  A small doll, measuring 11 inches, she would be a perfect addition to any Christmas display.

You'll also have an opportunity to see my new designs. The ones I've been working on this year and others as well, at the Trunk Show to be held after the class. Please contact Teena or Donna at Attic Crafts for class bookings and trunk show details.

Believe!

It's always so good once a pattern is finished and ready for release. It feels like the end of a school term.

The pattern Believe! is AUD$10.00 plus P&H. Please contact me for your nearest stockist or to purchase it directly.

This week I've been working on another Christmas project. Yes, you'd think at some point I would be all Christmassed out!

A glimpse of the new project.

And again, but this time with one of Barb's Santa tags.

The pattern will be available towards the end of September.

back on track

This week I got back into the swing of things and started playing around with needle, thread and my favourite coloured fabrics. A good thing really as Jenny (The Stitchery) has asked me to design a project for her retreat on 17 & 18 October. As you can see it's not finished, and could quite easily be changed. I keep changing my mind; I just need to make a decision and stick to it. 

And I've almost finalised this new Christmas pattern. I'm sure the girls I meet at The Patchwork Apple will be happy to hear this. They've already placed their orders!

Christmas in July at Avonleigh

These are just some of the girls I had the pleasure of spending the weekend with at Avonleigh. 

Two days of shared stories, sewing tips, inspiration, laughter and delicious home-made treats.

The projects the girls worked on over the weekend; Stitched Blessings, Tied with Love, Tree of Love and Simple Pleasures. Nearly all the girls decided to make the decorations with the gorgeous Theodora Cleave buttons first.

Julie chose the string pieced stocking and was finished in next to no time. You can imagine how excited the others were when they saw Julie finished. Can you guess what they all decided to make next!  A great way to use up the scraps and those fabrics, you're no longer so keen on, as the lining.

The framed piece was made by Sue.I know these decorations are quick but I have to say I was very impressed with how quickly Sue put hers together. Less than three hours, including a trip down the street to purchase the frame! 

Leanne, Heather and Belinda's, Tree of Love. It's so good to see other girls interpretations of your design. I loved all these combinations.

Now it wasn't all work. We were spoilt with yummy morning and afternoon teas and delicious lunch -  baked by Sharon and Kay. I tried not to over indulge - but how could I resist.  

Thank you to Sue, Jill, Lynne, Leanne, Julie, Jill, Heather, Rhonda, Belinda, Anne, Tracey, Leanne, Leonie and Heidi for the making the weekend so enjoyable to teach; to Sharon and Kay (Avonleigh) a special thank you for all their hard work, both in the shop (and kitchen), without it the weekend would not have been the success it was. 

my new patterns

I'm happy to announce the new Christmas patterns are finished.

The first pattern is Tree of Love. I'm often tempted to make Christmas decorations in non-traditional colours.  The beauty of this is they can be left up all year round. Some things are just too nice to pack away for the majority of the year. All that work and so little time to enjoy them.

Tied with Love is a collection of nine little stitched tags that can be used in any number of ways. There are some things that  strike a chord with you and tags are one of mine; they're so versatile. For the girls attending the Christmas workshop at Avonleigh there will be an opportunity to try their hand at needle punching the tags.

Stitched Blessings is the third pattern. It encompasses all the things I hold dear about Christmas.

Now you know how I love quick projects, the string stockings can be made in 1-2 hours. The hardest part is deciding which fabrics to use.

And the final pattern is Simple Pleasures. Lovely decorations for hanging off the tree, hooks or door knobs. While predominately Christmassy the Birdy decoration is too nice to pack away once Christmas is over and the Everyday Angel is ideal for any girls bedroom or why not make Home Sweet Home for a house warming gift .

These samples and many more will be on display at Blue Willow Cottage, Tuesday 7 July (afternoon), Fragrant Cottage, Wednesday 8 July (evening), and The Patchwork Apple, Saturday 11 July. Please contact the shops for further details.  

4th christmas project

It's Thursday and I'm not sure where this week has gone. All I've managed to do is stitch on the Yo Yos and make these little pillows. I'm trying to think what else I've done but it's hard to pinpoint anything significant.

This is the 4th project for the Christmas club.  A little stitching and a few yo yos. Nothing taxing, just the sort of sewing I like to do to unwind at the end of the day.

christmas club project

I realised the other day with the 3rd Christmas club class next week I needed a project; so the girls could see what they would be making at the next class. Remember this project. A tablerunner made from spotted fabrics and trimmed with yo-yo's. At the time, I thought I'd like to make a Christmas version and could imagine it with a few simply stitched blocks. So that's what I've been working on this week as well as finalising the new Christmas designs ready for release next week.