Sewing with PVC

95% of my sewing is for my children's label where most items have a PVC component.
Adding PVC to your project can be a little tricky at the start but if you take your time and try a few of these tips you will be amazed at how simple it really is. PVC makes items more durable, easy to clean and also weather/water proof. It will add a whole new dimension to your sewing.

PVC is available in a few different weights. 8 gauge is generally the thinnest. This thickness is used mostly for adding to fabric items such as aprons, bags, bibs etc. A heavier thickness such as 20 gauge can be added to make wallets or table/floor covers, items that will need to be a little more durable.

Most of the larger fabric retailers or Clark Rubber styled stores stock clear PVC by the roll. It comes in clear, printed or flannel backed. It's very reasonable priced.

My number one tip for sewing with PVC is to use a walking foot (even feed foot), without the guiding arm, on your sewing machine. As fabric and PVC are two different mediums, PVC can tend to get pushed along and pucker with a normal sewing foot. Any sized machine is capable of sewing basic, light weight PVC projects.

Secondly, work with the fabric as your top layer. Working with stretch/knit fabrics and PVC are extremely difficult so try to use non stretch fabrics cut with the grain.

Remember when cutting out your PVC pattern , only use pins within the seam allowance (it will leave pin holes) Try a paper clip wher you can't use pins.

Thirdly, the choice of machine needle is also really important. Generally I use a size 14 Denim needle with a normal good quality thread but if you are using a heavy PVC weight then try a leather needle. It will puncture the PVC so it is best to use a heavier thread. Also when using a leather needle don't back sew as you will get holes everywhere, tie threads off.

If I was making an apron as pictured with a PVC outer layer, I would sew the two pieces together with a large straight stitch and trim the seam before adding the bias. Zig Zag stitch also works well on PVC and has a great effect. Some other basic tips not to forget.
  1. A light weight PVC can stretch (and stick) when warm. Try to keep the room temperature that you are working in as cool as possible.
  2. PVC & Fabric can also be overlocked. Again be aware of the needles you are using and have fabric as your top layer.
  3. When PVC is added to fabric it can be machine washed in some cases. use a laundry bag and gentle cycle. If the PVC is light weight, machine washing tends to crease PVC. It cannot be ironed. Best to wipe over with a damp cloth. Sponge any bias.
  4. When purchasing PVC, ask that it be rolled and not folled.

Flat backed button shells now in two sizes.

After the initial demand for the 7/8 inch flat backed button shells, I have now added 1 1/8 inch (28.5mm) to The Haby Goddess online store as well.
You can also purchase additional shells sets without the tool which works out a little cheaper.

A week of re-stocking & new products.

These DIY kits are always a favourite as all designs include gorgeous designer fabrics, grosgrain ribbon, thread and instructions. All fabric is precut so all you need to do is sew! Perfect for the beginner sewer.
Parisian dresses can be worn on there own or even double as a pretty swing top when they become to short for your little one.
This adorable fabric design is to make a cute little swing top
And yes, the Henna Parisian is back!! All designs pictured are available in the online store.
Also expected to arrive this week are more Pettiskirt Kits by Dream Spun. It also includes this super cute mini pettiskirt sized perfectly for the toddler princess.

Flat Backed buttons are also due in and will include a larger 1 1/8 inch and you will also be able to purchase additional buttons without having to purchase the tool kit.

New Bettsy Kingston Ruffle Pants & Pinnie Kits will include this fabulous design

Meet Petunia!

This Melly & Me pattern of Petunia the Pig has been made into a 'Softie for Mirabel'. It was made by Katy and she has done an amazing job. It is just adorable.

Upcycling or Recycling!

Ok, lets start with the obvious.
What is the difference between upcycling & recycling?

Well according to Associated Content, recycling involves chemical transformation procedures. For example, through a chemical process, old plastic bottles can be turned into a durable fabric. On the other hand, trimming down the front of a cereal box and binding it into a notebook cover requires only physical processes, and therefore by this definition would be considered upcycling.

That's seems simple enough so here is a treasury of some very crafty upcyclers!

  1. On The Bead has created Steampunk Cufflinks from watch movements
  2. Now how could I not include these 'Repurposed Envelopes' of the wonderful Where the Wild Things Are?
  3. To keep a haby theme Amalia Versaci has used vintage zipper slides to make a pair of studs.
  4. Upcycling vinyl billboard into bags & wristlets like Seen1 has done is proving very popular.

New Pattern Stock plus a giveaway!

The Haby Goddess is a new stockist of Little Bird Patterns. A Brisbane based team that specialise in creating basic paper patterns for the beginner sewer.

You will remember a short while ago I made a pair of Pj's in the Saffron Craig fabric. The top to this pj set was in fact The Summer Fling Pattern. A great versatile pattern that can be made into a dress or little swing top - even pj's! The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. I am confident that any beginner sewer would be able to follow these patterns.

But just to make sure. I have 'Lisa' a facebook fan and someone who is just beginning to sew, on the job. Lisa has been sent the Cobana pants pattern and is going to make up a pair and write and review to share.

These range of patterns plus more are now available in store. And remember, if you ever have a question regarding these patterns either prior to purchasing or once you start sewing, just ask!

Now for the giveaway part......... I have two fantastic patterns to giveaway.

All you need to do is enter all your details here (so I can contact you if you win) and tell me which pattern you would prefer to win. Simple! Closes 31st Oct, 5pm AEST

A piece of cake

Pink Cake Box Cake

WOW! How amazing is this cake?

Close up yarn balls and glasses

Bobby Pins

These bobby pins are 5cm in length with a 10mm pad. The perfect size to add your flat bottomed fabric covered buttons, yo-yo's, crocheted flowers or absolutely anything.
Available in packs of 25 bobby pins here in the online store.

My Melbourne Craft Expo Wrap Up

For me, getting to the expo means a window of only a few hours. When I take into account travelling time, school drop offs and pick ups, I only actually had 3 hours. It was plenty for me as I attended a workshop, checked out all the stalls and watched a few demonstrations.

This little bag is the result of the Creative sewing with Pfaff workshop. It was my very 1st attempt ever at Stippling. It was completely nerve racking (but fun). My result isn't very good - only room to improve I say! It's the only workshop I have ever attended where the demonstrator had to remind you to breathe!!

We used the fancy pants Pfaff Quilt Expession 4.0 (RRP approx $3000). It does have a million and one functions, whether or not you would use them is another thing. One function I did love was the walking foot is permanently attached - you just disengage it when not in use. The tying off function and the foot levers I found a little bit slow & tiresome.

As for the stalls, there was a good mixture of fabric, beading & scrapbooking. But they were all a little similar. For example, all fabric/quilting stalls carried huge amounts of accessories that you can really get anywhere.

I was wanting to be excited by something new, something we hadn't seen before. In the world of haberdashery there was nothing. But I did find myself stalking the Barnes stall. They have released a fantastic range of kits to make your own resin jewellery & accessories.

The other fav stall was Can Do Books. They had a great range of books covering all areas of craft. A couple worth mentioning include Fabricate by Susan Wasinger with really clear images of the modern projects. I just loved the laminated felt sleeve for a notebook or the like. The other one I wanted to buy was 49 1/2 Skirts by Alison Willoughby. It shows how to take one simple skirt pattern and then embellish with numerous materials and techniques.
Overall, it has fun. Anything to do with the crafting industry usually is. We are a happy bunch of people.
Have a great weekend!

Flat Backed Button Shells

Create your own hair clips and accessories with these flat backed button shells. They are 7/8 of an inch or 22mm. They include the tool needed to cover the button with fabric. Postage is also included in price to anywhere in Australia. International postage is only a little more. Available now in the online store.
Bobby pins that you can attach to these flat backed shells are also coming soon!

Back in Stock

The online store has now been restocked with all sizes of metal backed button kits. Cover your own with some gorgeous fabrics and use them for anything!
If you don't want to cover your own, remember online store has a great range of the lovely Buttons by Lou Lou. And we are having a Buttons by Lou Lou giveaway - all details here!
I also received a new shipment of Pettiskirt kits today . Available in Baby Pink and Hot Pink.

Melbourne Craft Expo

I'm planning to visit the Craft Expo on Friday and will be heading straight to the workshop areas for the Creative Sewing with Pfaff, The Yarn Lounge and Bernina 'Sew & Show' Apron Challenge. The program looks loaded with plenty to do. Tickets are $15 per adult with children under 5 free. Starts Thursday and ends Sunday. Open 10am to 4.30pm at Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Are you going?

What interests you most when you visit craft/sewing expo's?

New Buttons by Lou Lou stock plus a giveaway.

It was happy days when I opened my package from the lovely Lou from Buttons by Lou Lou today. Along with some of the favourites that fly out the door were a few newies as well. All designs will start to be added back into the online store
Now for the giveaway part! Lou has also given The Haby Goddess 2 of her adorable elastic headbands to give away. So from now until next Friday 9th September, 2009 at 5pm AEST, everyone who purchases a packet of Buttons by Lou Lou fabric covered buttons from The Haby Goddess online store will go into the draw to win one of these two headbands. Buy two packets, get 2 entries, Easy!

Adorable Matryoshka Doll fabric by Kokka

This fabric has so many dimensions to it. Various sized Russian dolls, gingham and patterned stripes work beautifully together in this Linen/Cotton blend.
112cm wide with the pattern repeated every 30cm.
Available now in the online store