Do you have problems reading sewing patterns?

One thing I've notice while teaching Sewing School Online and the Beginners Sewing Classes in store, is that reading sewing patterns cause fear among the beginner sewers. They can be a little overwhelming when first starting out.

So I'm having a free in store presentation going step by step through reading sewing patterns.

We will look at patterns from commercial companies, independent designers & Japanese pattern books.

It will include basic adjustments, adding seam allowances, transferring markings plus more.

This will be held on Saturday 22nd June from 10.30am to 11.30am. 
41 Main Road, Monbulk 
T: 03 9752 1114

For all my Haby followers who are not local, I will also be writing a blog post after the event summarising the main points discussed.

As my little shop can only hold so many people, I will be limiting numbers. So don't miss out and get your name on the list by ringing or emailing your details to jodie@thehabygoddess.com.au

Yarn in The Dandenong's

Did you know that The Haby Goddess retail store stocks a great range of yarn?

Rowan's Felted Tweed, Felted Tweed Aran, Kidsilk Haze

Cleckheaton - Country, Artisan, California, Merino Angora Silk, Vintage Country Blends

Heirloom - 8ply Alpaca, Baby Wool, Easy Care, Bamboo

We also stock a large range of Paton's Jet, Inca & Bluebell 5ply

Knitting & crochet accessories along with pattern books & magazines, to give you all the inspiration you need!

So make a day out in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges or if you're a local, you can now stay on the mountain for all your yarn & supplies.

The Haby Goddess store is located at 

41 Main Road, Monbulk   Vic  3793

T: (03) 9752 1114

Opening Hours:

Mon, Wed, Thurs 9am - 4pm

Tues, Fri 9am - 5pm

Sat 9am - 1pm

How to make: Wooden Spool Pincushions

I love wooden sewing spools as they instantly add the cute factor to any craft room.

Today I had a play with adding a simple pincushion top to the spools.  Great for using up scrap pieces of fabric and they take very little time to do.

Add some pretty trim and you have a great, inexpensive gift for that hard to buy for friend. Or do a set for  and yourself have all your trims, pins and embroidery threads organised in no time.

Here's how to make them:

{Giveaway} "Name our Social Craft Group"

We are having our first social crafting group at the shop this Monday 5th June but we don't have a name!

So I need a little help from all my creative friends.

Can you think of a fun name which represents a group of crafters getting together for a cuppa, chat and a bit of crafting thrown in?

You have until Monday 5th June 8am AEST to submit your suggestion in the comments below.

I will select a group of 'finalists' to submit to the group and we will have a ballot to determine a winner.

The winner will receive a Haby Goddess Goodies Pack to the value of $50.

This giveaway is open world wide.

**If your signature in comments doesn't lead me to contact details, please leave email details or email them to jodie@thehabygoddess.com.au.**

This giveaway is also available in store.

If you would like to be part of our crafting group, we would love to have you!

It's on the 1st Monday of every month.  

Starting Monday 3rd June, 2013 at 10.30am.

41 Main Road, Monbulk.

T: 03 7952 1114

There is no charge but a gold coin towards some yummy morning tea is appreciated.

Crochet a beanie for less than $8

With the scarves & boots well and truly out in Melbourne, I've also jumped on the beanie band wagon.

Yesterday at the store, we started our 2 week beanie workshop.  I was so inspired that I went home and completely finished it off.

Oh well, looks like I will just have to make another one next week in Lesson 2!

They are really simple to make and cost next to nothing.

All you need is 1 ball of wool (I used Cleckheaton Country 8 ply - Col 2292) plus a size 5mm crochet hook.
For less than $8 and a few hours work, you will have yourself an awesome little beanie.

Add embellishments such as buttons, flowers, different trims. I added a timber button from the online store.

The pattern I used above is from our beanie workshop but Crafter Chick has a range of basic patterns in all sizes.
You can then add a trim of your choice to finish it off.  I added a scalloped edge.  You can learn how to do it here.

Pinterest is another fantastic source of crochet beanie patterns.

We are holding an embellishments workshop at the Monbulk retail store on Wednesday 5th June, 10am - 2pm.  For details and to book online, head to the online store.

How to use an envelope template

This inexpensive envelope template creates little pockets quickly & easily.

Make them to house little notes, gift cards or trinkets.

Here are the instructions....

Mother's Day Chocolate & Marshmallow Bags

Looking for a simple project for Mother's Day?

You can't go wrong with a Chocolate & Marshmallow combo in teabags.

They are super easy to make and low cost.

Here's what to do......

You will need:

Teabag blanks - you can get them from here

Good quality chocolate - I used Lindt 85% Cocoa Dark Noir

Good quality marshmallows.

Grate chocolate finely

Chop up marshmallows

Spoon chocolate into bags

Add a few marshmallow pieces

Top up with more Chocolate.  The fuller the better!

Close up bag drawstring

Add some folded Washi tape for tags.

I made these at the shop and they drew quite a bit of comment from customers.  The general feeling was that they would not melt and seep through the paper.

They do!

I heated milk in microwave and then added the bag.  

Left it for a minute of two to melt the chocolate and marshmallow.  

Once melted, I stirred the milk and bag with a spoon.  

If you squeeze the bag a little with the spoon against the cup side, the mixture oozes out.

YUM!

Sew School Online starts again soon!

The brand new Sew School Online website is now finished ready for the next round starting 13th May, 2013.

So if you've been putting off learning to sew, don't!
With daylight savings over, the kids back at school and the cooler months ahead in Australia, it's the perfect time.

Bonuses for Sew Schoolers:

• The Bias Binding Guide e-book by The Haby Goddess
• Bunting & Garland e-book by My Poppet

Still only $79 for all 30 lessons, bonus charts & project sheets.

Don't miss out, enrol now!

Lucky Owls Doorstop Sewing Pattern

I enjoyed doing some sewing for the store last week.
The Lucky Owls Pattern by BeBe Bold is a best seller here at The Haby Goddess and I now know why.
They are adorable.  The pattern is so easy to make and takes no time at all.

The pattern includes templates for 6 different sizes. The mini size could also be used as a pincushion with the correct filling.
It suggests that you glue peak down to form shape.  I didn't do this as I like that they can be reshaped.

Materials I used:

Lucky Owls Pattern.
Robert Kaufman 100% Organic Cotton Pop Posies fabric.
21 Wale Corduroy as the backing fabrics.
Glue
Filling - green split peas
Felt
Vliesofix or any fusible web is suggested but I didn't. Next time I will as it may help prevent the glue showing through the felt.

Workshops & Classes for April, 2013

I'm really excited to now be able to offer the following classes 

to be held at The Haby Goddess retail store.

41 Main Road, Monbulk,  Vic

Zpagetti Workshops

Zpagetti yarn is so much fun to work with and your basket is made before you know it!

This 2 hour workshop is only $40 and includes all you need to make a series of small baskets.

1 x large cone of Zpagetti yarn (your choice of colour)

1 x small ball of contrasting yarn (your choice of colour)

1 x 12mm bamboo crochet hook

1 x basket pattern

You will only need an idea of how to chain, slip & single crochet. But we will run through them again at the beginning of the lesson.

Choose from these dates:

Thursday 11th April, 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Thursday 18th April, 10am to 12pm

Saturday 20th April, 1pm to 3pm

 

Beginner Crochet Classes

In this 4 week block, you will learn the basics and begin to create a series of grannie squares.
From here, we will join them together to make either a scarf or handbag.

It's only $75 for the 4 week block starting Wednesday 17th April - 6 places available.
As an introductory special, you will also receive the following bonus pack free!
3 x 8 ply Cleckheaton Country Wool (your choice of colours)
1 x 5.5mm crochet hook
1 x wool needle
A basic pattern sheet & written instructions to take with you.

Teen &Tween Sewing Classes
over the school holidays

Sewing machines will be required, let me know if you don't have one, as I have 1 or 2 spare.

Tween Beginners Sewing Class - limited to 5 places

Wednesday 3rd April 11.am - 1.30pm

Applique cushion - $35.00 (all materials included)

8yrs - 11yrs

Teen Beginners Sewing Class - limited to 6 places

Thursday 34th April 11.am - 1.30pm

Lined cosmetic purse - $35.00 (all materials included)

12+ yrs 

Tween Beginners Sewing Class - limited to 5 places

Monday 8th April 11.am - 1.30pm

Pretty pillowcases - $35.00 (all materials included)

8yrs - 11yrs

Teen Beginners Sewing Class - limited to 6 places

Wednesday 10th April 11.am - 1.30pm

Simple Skirt - $35.00 (all materials included)

12 + years

How to book

There are a number of ways to book your place.

1. Phone either the shop on (03) 9752 1114 or mobile 0408 536 743

2. Pop into the shop at 41 Main Road, Monbulk

3. Pay & secure your place online in The Haby Goddess online store.

The new Haby Goddess bricks and mortar store is open!

The Haby Goddess bricks and mortar store is finally open!

It has been a crazy week trying to get it all up & running, but it's 90% done and I couldn't be happier with the result.

Here are a few pics I took throughout the week plus some final shots.

The Bias Binding Guide

Creating and applying bias tape/binding are sewing techniques that once you learn how to do correctly, you will never look back. You'll wonder why you had been putting them off all these years!

I've put together this handy guide of all related content from here on The Haby Goddess blog, Sew School Online plus new original material.

It's a collection of step by step instructions with clear detailed images plus a few extra bonus video's thrown in also.

Here's what the guide contains:

• Finding your grain 
• Difference between single & double bias
• Handy Tools
• How much fabric will I need?
• What types of fabric to use?
• Cutting your fabric strips
• Making your bias
• Joining your bias strips
• Using a bias tape maker
• Sewing on your bias binding – Technique 1 (includes video)
• Sewing on your bias binding – Technique 2
• Add bias to curves
• How to achieve a neat corner?
• Finishing off bias binding (video)
• Additional techniques – Add bias to an inside edge
• Bias binding gadgets – Using a binding foot attachment
• Bias binding gadgets – Simplicity Bias Tape Maker

File size is 2.3mb and it will be automatically sent to your paypal address after purchase.

Buy Now

Don't judge a magazine by it's cover!

One of the seriously awesome perks of opening a bricks & mortar store (opening 18th March!) is I now stock magazines that are current issues. Yes, that's right folks, you don't need to wait months to get your imported copies.  Christmas issues is February, no thanks!

There is nothing better than buying your favourite magazine, sitting in peace and reading it from cover to cover. I do admit however, I generally don't browse the stands at the newsagents or online stores.  I get in and get out just with my fav's each month.  Apart from the obvious few, many of the craft magazines look the same and aren't very appealing.

When the newish UK publication Homemaker - Issue 3 arrived last week I put in somewhere over there, and headed straight for Mollie Makes.  It gave the impression from it's cover, that it was a bit like all those other magazines, but it's NOT.  Today when I finally gave it some love and attention I found that it's good, really good!

Covers topics from craft, sewing, crochet & cooking.
Great interviews including Sophie Dahl and knitting extraordinaire Debbie Bliss.
Lots of projects from a number of different crafts.
You will also receive a 2nd magazine free : Home Sewing Inspiration.  Again, it's a great read and includes a heap of fabric patterned papers.

Homemaker Issue 3  is available in The Haby Goddess online store now.

Body Measurements Reference Card

With pattern designers not using universal sizing, you can't assume that the size of your day to day garments will be the same size as a sewing pattern. The US & Australian sizing is very different.

This reference card can be printed out, filled in and popped into your purse for next time you are purchasing a pattern. You can refer to your measurements to make sure you are purchasing the correct size.

It will also come in handy when needing to determine the fabric requirements for a particular size on multi sized patterns.

Keep in mind that our bodies change so it will need to be updated.  You should also do a proper, current measure before cutting out your pattern. 

You can download the free printable here.

Tips for cutting out Chiffon or other slippery fabrics

One of the current Sew Schoolers asked for some tips on cutting out slippery fabrics so I thought I would show you all in a blog post.

The Haby Goddess is about to expand big time!

You may have already read over on the Facebook page, that The Haby Goddess is expanding - to a retail premises!

I am so very excited to finally be able to announce, that I'm taking over the lovely craft store "Little Red's Craft Cupboard" located at 
41 Main Road, Monbulk, Vic

Kate from Little Red's is having a bub, and with 2 children already, is taking a step back from her business to concentrating on her young family. She will continue to operate her online store. I look forward to meeting the locals and becoming involved in the crafting community she has already created.

I will be closed to transform & set up the new Haby Goddess store for one week, with doors opening again on Monday 18th March.

I'm having a big party of course, details to follow soon.

I realise that without all of your wonderful support over the years, The Haby Goddess would not have grown as much as it has - thank you xx

So what does that mean for you guys?

1. The blog will continue to publish informative sewing based tutorials as before and Sew School Online will continue to expand with courses & e-book products. 

2. Loads more products in the online store. Now I won't be restricted by having my warehouse at home (hmmm, maybe that's not a good thing!). 
I love magazines, so publications such as Mollie Makes, The Simple Things plus other European titles will become available via the online store and the best bit is, they will be air freighted in so they're current, not months behind like many newsagents!

3. Fabric! I write this will a constrained excitement. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than being surrounded by bolts of fabric. I will be uploading many of the designs onto the online store as they arrive (I've already started!).

4. Live workshops, sewing lessons and craft get togethers. I can't wait to share with you the list of workshops I have planned. I can tell you they will include Zpagetti 'how to' sessions, one on one sewing lessons for beginners , crochet mornings plus other sewing project workshops.

If you are in The Monbulk area over the next few weeks, call in as Kate from Little Red's Craft Cupboard is having a massive clean out sale on all Kids Craft & Fabric Remnants.

Tutorial: How to hem Chiffon and other sheer fabrics.

When hemming any fabric that is sheer, the main aim is for your stitching to be neat - otherwise you will see it!

Use the easy tips below to achieve a perfect hem every time.

10 reasons why you need to enrol in Sew School Online!

Here's 10 reasons why enrolling in Sew School Online is an awesome idea!

 It starts this Monday.

1. You won't need a babysitter.  Sew School can be worked in around your family - when they are in bed of an evening, having an afternoon nap or at school/kinder.

2. You don't need to be online at a particular time. If you work full time or have other commitments, it's not a problem.  You will have 24 hour access to the closed site to complete lessons at your leisure.

3. All lessons are downloadable.  While there are some accompanying video's, all lessons can be printed out so you can have then next to you as you work.  They can all be copied over to your computer for future reference once the course is complete.

4. It's affordable.  Where can you get 30+ lessons, charts & projects with all the help you need for only $79 (AUD)?

5. You are not on your own. Ask as many questions via the comments sections or on the private Facebook page.

6. You can catch up if you fall a little behind.  We are all busy and sometimes life just gets in the way.  There is a catch up week between weeks 3 & 4 plus one at the end of week 6.

7. Become part of our community. Sewers are a friendly lot and love to offer support.  You can interact with others via the gallery, comments sections and the Facebook page.

8. There is no travelling.  Living on the outskirts of the suburbs, I know exactly how hard it can be to get to classes in the city.  For me, with a family it was almost impossible.

9.  Satisfaction! Whether you're sewing for yourself, family or loved ones, the joy of having made it yourself will be fantastic.

10. Expand your business. If you are a small crafty business wanting to expand your range from basic accessories and take your products to the next level.  This beginners sewing course will help you do that.

That's it! Nothing more to say. 

If you need a recap of what Sew School Online is all about then head to the Course Details page.

But if you are all ready to catch the February 4 start date, enrol here.

Meet the awesome brands behind out latest pop up store!

We have packed our bags and followed the sun for our latest pop up store adventure.

Hug Me Harry & The Haby Goddess along with a group of clever friends will occupy 

55a Thompson Avenue, Cowes, Phillip Island Vic until Sunday 27th January, 2013

Meet the fantastic brands that are joining us below.

How to: Join fabric yarn

You're crocheting merrily away and then your fabric yarn runs out or you want to add a contrasting colour.  

So how to do join the strands together you ask?

Like this.....

Christmas Themed Pins from Pinterest

This is a snippet from The Haby Goddess Christmas themed Pinterest boards.

Plywood DIY Card Holder by Ambroisa Girl 

A card wreath from Martha Stewart

Mini wreath gift cards from Cargo Collective

Where the Wild Things Are stocking by Meet Me at Mikes

Cranberry, Pistashio & White Chocolate Cookies from Kitchen Trial & Error.

The Sweetest Occasion shows you how to make Christmas snow globes

Jeanne and the Moon Sewn Parcels

Santa hat chair cover from Make it & Love it

Please Note Paper makes a simple Christmas Tree

A Spoonful of Sugar Designs Chocolate Spoons

Follow along our Pinterest boards here.

Handmade cards for all occasions

Something that has become standard in our house is handmade cards.
I never buy them for the girls to give, they must always make their own.  They are always a hit and appreciated by those receiving the gift.

Here is one we made for my sister in laws recent birthday.  You only need a few basic craft supplies and your set.

To make something similar to mine, you will need:

Cute vintage fabric
A couple of magazines for snipping out images (frankie is our choice of mag - awesome images & lots of backgrounds you can use)
Fabric tape or washi tape
Photo's - I've printed out my own on photo paper.

How to assemble:

Cut out all your pieces are arrange them on your folded card.
Sew your fabric square to the card and tape the other bits on.
 I didn't sew the photo on so Lea could peel off the tape and keep it.

Tickle the Imagination GIVEAWAY

Tanya Collier, the editor of Tickle the Imagination, has finally had her dream realised. Her beautiful online magazine has been put to print.

Printed on recycled paper, this 120 page magazine is filled with all Australian designers, artists and businesses.

This issue is a year book of previous online issues and was printed with a crowd funding campaign via pozible.com

It's filled with recipes, crafts to make, handmade products and stories about our talented Australian makers.

Tanya draws on her graphic designer background to make this magazine drool worthy.

Perfect summer holiday reading.

The Haby Goddess is very proud to be a stockist of this wonderful publication and has three copies to giveaway.

You can also purchase a copy from The Haby Goddess online store.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DIY: Kanzashi Christmas Decorations

Christmas Ornaments can become quite pricey when you need to fill a tree.  But with some simple clover gadgets and scrap pieces of Christmas-y fabric, your tree will look stunning.

In this tutorial I'm using the Clover Kanzashi Flower Maker in large.  

It will make finished ornaments approx 8cm in diameter.

New Sublime Stitching Floss

Sublime Stitching has just released a new range of embroidery floss in fun grab & go packs.

Each pack contains 7 skeins of the finest quality, 100% cotton, six-stranded floss. Smooth, shiny and colorfast! 

And in true Sublime Stitching style, each & every colour has been given a quirky name, parachute pants, milk maid & wading pool to name a few!

Only $6 per pack plus postage in 8 different colour palettes. Available in the online store.

Handmade Gift Idea - Cosmetic Purse

I love cosmetic purses, I have a whole drawer of them and one each for my handbags.  They are easy to sew and would make the ideal Christmas gift. 

Make them any size you wish, add a boxed bottom or curve the corners.  Options are endless, so are the uses for them.

They don't need a lot of fabric so they're great for using up scrap fabric. I like to add laminated iron on vinyl to mine so they are easy to wipe down.

Here is a tutorial I did a little while back, showing you how easy they are to make.

Have a very Zpagetti Christmas!

Are you wanting to make a Christmas Wreath this year that stands out from the pack?

This crochet kit from the team at Hoooked Zpagetti will create a wreath which will become the talking point for your all your visitors this Christmas season. I had this sample on display at the recent Craft & Sewing show and it was a hit!

If you know how to chain, single and double crochet then you will have this whipped up in no time at all.

The kit includes a large cone in vibrant red, a small white ball for contrast, a 12mm bamboo crochet hook, a round acrylic handle plus pattern.

Available in the online store - limited stock so hurry!