Marg Low Designs

Tree of Love

Before I'd even finished Tree of Love in the browns and pinks (in fact while I was still choosing the fabrics), I was busy imagining it in reds and raw edge applique. So I found time (I don't think you actually find time rather another job/project doesn't get done) and made it using some of my favourite French General fabric. So nice to  use some of it in a project for myself and not relegate it to the stash, to surface whenever I have a bit of clean out.  Sad but true!

Between now and Christmas I have a special offer on the Tree of Love pattern, AUD$13.50 including postage (local and overseas). Simply email me if you would like to purchase the pattern.

AQM and new patterns

Here are some pics of my stand at the AQM. I must have been busy as each day just flew past. What took hours to go up took just minutes to pull down.

 I finally got the chance to meet Lyn from Moore Patchwork & Quilting.

A big thank you to Jan for all her assistance leading up to the weekend and over the weekend. It really does take two!

  Sweet Heart Birdies, the pattern I taught at Mamre House, was released at the AQM.

Here it is in blue. I can't decide which I prefer. I guess it depends on my mood. The blue would make a perfect bridal gift. Stitch the bride & grooms names and wedding date on the back for a lovely keepsake.

  The pattern for Pear Tree, a felt needlecase and pincushion was also finished for the AQM (also a Mamre House project).

It's always very encouraging and delightful to hear my designs inspire, but sometimes there is a downside, when a pattern is purchased and the concept used for teaching purposes. If you like a pattern, you are welcome to teach it, as long as each student has purchased a copy.

a little hectic

It has been a little hectic here with the preparations for the AQM (Trade Fair) in Melbourne this weekend. I think I'm almost ready - well I hope I am.

The new fabrics arriving at the local shops tempted me to remake a couple of my favourite patterns.

Aunt Ivy's Sewing Basket. I'm not sure how many of these sets I made when the pattern first came out. So making this one was like visiting an old friend. This is my favourite now!

 Scissor Essentials.  Have you ever found your GOOD scissors being used to CUT PAPER! More times than I can remember, but all that stopped the moment I made these bags. The bags were much more effective than anything I said. I'd forgotten how quick and easy the set was to make. Green with a little pink is my favourite colour combination.

new patterns to giveaway

Springtime Blooms. This is one of the projects from Mamre House. (And yes it was my project for Jenny's stitching weekend in New Zealand.)  As well as the framed stitchery, the pattern includes a Chatelaine (mobile phone or gift pouch) and scented sachet.

Barb's 'Be Inspired' button was perfect for the 'Beautiful Blue Birdies' theme.

Class Carry Bag. I first made this bag about four years out of need. One day I found myself struggling to a quilt class with a basket, bag, sewing machine and cutting mat tucked under my arm. You can imagine trying to sqeeze through the doorways, past other students without bumping into anyone or dropping anything. How wonderful if everything, apart from the sewing machine, could fit in one bag. Since then I've made a rotary cutter case and ruler cover (6.5 x12inches) to match.

 Christmas Treats. What I like most about these bags is you don't need to wrap the presents. Pop them inside, pull the drawstring closed and instant wrapping. Slip a gift card in the stitched pocket and it's ready for giving. The tags are designed for those of us who leave things to the last minute but still want to give a handmade gift.

I have one copy of each pattern to giveaway (no choosing). Simply post a comment no later than Sunday 8 November to enter the draw. 

a birthday gift

How lucky am I! Sue made me this lovely coat hanger for my birthday. This is the exact fabric combination I would have chosen for myself. Love the little row of buttons Sue has added. Now I won't be using it immediately as it's much too pretty to hide away.

A birthday gift

This past month has been all about birthdays. The last one is this coming Saturday for a non-sewing friend who truly appreciates all things hand-made. I'd been thinking about what to make and even considered creating something new until I sat next to Sue at quilting last Saturday.

Sue did the Dressy Hangers class with me at Avonleigh. Sue always makes multiples for her daughters; a tradition she may wish she never started. 

Seeing Sue's, was like having a light switch on inside my head. Guess you can work out what I've been making!

  Both Sue and Rhonda used fabrics from the Robyn Pandolph Flirt range to make their hangers in class. They looked so gorgeous I wanted to go home and try the fabrics myself.

Realising there were other priorities, I put the urge on hold. But now with a birthday present to make I  had  the perfect opportunity to indulge this whim.

And here they are finished, with two days to spare! How good does that feel, not to be still sewing five minutes before the party.

Personally I think they look to beautiful to hide away in the wardrobe. My favourite is the white one. Which is yours?

Thank you for your birthday wishes.

Simple Pleasures pattern pack

As you know I am (just a tad) addicted to Barb's buttons. Gorgeous and oh so simple to use.

Perhaps you've had trouble sourcing the pattern and buttons or weren't sure how to go about it.

To make it easy for you I've put together a couple of pattern packs. Retailing for AUD$27.50 (plus P&H) the pack includes the pattern 'Simple Pleasures', 1 oval and 2 round tags.

There is a Christmas and Everyday pack.  Tags and colours may vary.

The everday pack is suitable for well, 'everyday'. I love decorations that can be made all year round for any occassion.

To make a purchase simply email me your order and you will receive a Paypal payment request. Once paid, the goods will be in the mail within a couple of days.

Overseas orders are welcome.

almost packed

I'm almost packed (I hope) for my trip to Blue Willow Cottage, Fragrant Cottage and The Patchwork Apple. That last little bit of packing always takes me the longest. Somehow after taking great care to restrict the number of bags and boxes I've packed (if I could fit and carry it all in one box I would) I have an explosion of bags of all sizes with odd bits and pieces thrown in. It happens everytime! 

The Stitched up Festival is on at Wangaratta.

Sackville and Lane are celebrating the clothes hanger and asked me if I would like to design a cover for their display.

As usual I couldn't stop at one. They were quite addictive and took me back to when I first learnt to sew my own clothes. I wish shirt collars had been this easy!

 

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.  

special offer - June only

As you can see I must really enjoy making this needle roll. And it occurred to me that you may like to make it too. So for June only I have a special offer on this pattern. The price AUD 10.00 including both local and overseas postage.

The pattern also includes instructions for this purse. The opening has a spring strip in it. Press the sides in and the top springs open - like a glasses case. The pattern plus a spring strip is available for AUD14.00 (including postage).

Simply email me with your order and I'll send you a paypal request. How easy is that!