The Haby Goddess

School Holiday Crafty Sessions

Looking for a great way to entertain the kids these Melbourne school holidays?

Why not drop them off here at The Haby Goddess for a crafty session?
You can then spend the time exploring The Dandenong's. Visit one of the local cafes or browse the shops.
The weather is fining up so make a day of it and call into the Tulip Festival just around the corner on your way home or pack a picnic lunch.

Make It Timber Cross Stitch kit class (8+)
Tuesday 24^th September & Tuesday 1st October
10.30am - 12.30pm
We will complete one of the six designs from the Make It Timber Cross Stitch Kit range.
$25 includes the cost of class and kit. Details here.

Tween sewing class - Simple Tote Bag (8+)
Wednesday 25^th September
10am - 12.30pm
The first thing many young sewers start off making is bags. I'll give them a simple pattern and show them how to finish this project off properly.
$35.00

Teen sewing class - Accessories Pamper Pack
Thursday 26^th September
10am - 1pm

What teenager doesn't like to spend time in front of the mirror, painting nails and pampering herself? We will convert a simple towel into a set of pamper accessories including an eye mask, headband for those all important facials, an appliqued handtowel and facewasher.
$35 all materials included.

Family Craft Morning – Thursday 3^rd October

10.00am – 11.30am

Little ones can spend the morning with Mum, Dad, Nana & siblings etc doing craft. I will set up a large selection of crafting activities catered for an age range of 4-10.

Price per family is only $15.

To book call Jodie on 9752 1114 or 0408 536 743

All classes are held at 41 Main Road, Monbulk Vic 3793

Last chance to book for Mini Embroidery Hoop Workshop

These adorable kits have been a hit since arriving here at The Haby Goddess.

I'm so excited that the bubbly creator Sonia from Dandelyne will be joining me at the Monbulk store to host a workshop tomorrow, Saturday 14th September, 1pm - 3pm

It's a wonderful opportunity to meet the maker behind these unique kits.

Choose the kit of your choose and complete it in the 2 hour workshop.

Everything will be supplied, you don't need to bring a thing! Fabric, floss, working hoops, needle, transfer designs and loads of inspiration is included.

You don't need to be an experienced stitcher, Sonia will be covering all the basics within the workshop.

Cost is $25 for the workshop plus the kit of your choice ($12.80 - $19.00).

Create a mini piece of art that you can wear.

There are only a few places left so don't miss out.

BOOK HERE ONLINE

Workshop held at 41 Main Road, Monbulk, Vic

Need more details? Call Jodie on 03 9752 1114

Celebrate our birthday during the month of September!

5 years ago The Haby Goddess started as a blog to showcase all things Haberdashery.

Since then it has grown into an online store, online sewing school and recently a retail store in the outskirts of Melbourne.

It has never felt like work and I've met many wonderful people over the last 5 years. I'm constantly blown away by the amount of support I receive from customers, suppliers and crafty friends.

To say thank you, I'm celebrating for the whole month of September with Giveaways and a Party.

There are 5 giveaways, one for each year.

Giveaway one: Win back your entire purchase from either the online or retail store (up to the value of $150 including postage).

All you need to do is make a purchase in The Haby Goddess online store or Monbulk retail store during September 1 and September 30 and you will automatically be entered into the draw. This includes bookings for workshops too! One lucky winner will be drawn and notified Tuesday 1st October. Funds will be either refunded back into paypal account if it's an online winner or be given as a cash refund if it is a retail store winner.

Winner: Karen (in store purchase)

Giveaway two: Win a place in the next round of Sew School Online starting October 14th (value $79).

To enter head over to www.sewschool.com.au and become a subscriber. All new subscribers from 1 September to 30 September will be entered into the draw. Winner drawn and notified Tuesday 1st October, 2013

Winner: Becky

Giveaway three: Win the new collection of crochet & knitting patterns from Australian Country Spinners - nine titles (valued at $90) and

Giveaway four: Win a 3 pack of Sewing Patterns from Colette, Bluegingerdoll & Make it Perfect Patterns. (valued at $62.50)

To win giveawaysthree and four enter via the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway five: Win a pack of gorgeous party supplies (valued at $33)

This is an in store prize only.
Winner : Ngaire Brown

The Party!

No birthday is complete without cake, champagne & gifts!

It will be held on Friday 13th September at the Monbulk Store.

Starts 2pm until 5pm.

There will be lucky dips plus all visitors will go in the draw to win Giveaway 5.

Are you allowing good business practices to become watered down.

My Sunday morning ritual is to make breakfast, grab my fully charged laptop and head back to bed for a bit before the girls head to basketball training. I catch up on blogs, social media and pin all the goodies I've found to Pinterest.

Last Sunday I almost spilt my latte everywhere when I came across a competitor who was not being exactly 'competitor friendly'. After spewing my rant to my poor husband beside me and with my fingers ready to dial the offending person, my husband starting questioning ME and asked why it had happened.

As it turned out, I'd left my business exposed and not protected. Call it laziness or being too busy, this was a wake call that I needed to take more care.

Many images on The Haby Goddess online store are taken & edited by me. Part of my branding is beautiful clear images and if a supplier cannot supply these then I take my own. Now you are never going to stop others using what is not theirs and I'm not even going to try to decipher copyright laws for images online but if had taken a few steps then others can't argue they didn't know! I would also be in my right to then approach them and ask them to remove the images.

I failed to mention any copyright or Creative Commons License on my site, that these images were in fact taken by me not the supplier and are not available for others to use without my permission. I will not watermark my images as I feel this would spoil the look and feel of The Haby Goddess but upon saving my images I had also failed to include The Haby Goddess in the labeling. I'm in the process of understanding all the associated rules and then will rectify them within my store.

It's natural to become a little too comfortable and let details slide. Some tasks are so mundane that over time we start to eliminate them from our routines altogether. Sometimes if we don't fully understand the rules it's easier just to ignore it. It's not until we have a problem that we realise the importance of them.

I now have a renewed energy for these tasks as I can see their purpose.

Do you have business practices that are becoming watered down?

First knitting project for the season finished!

I thought I might not get to wear this chevron cowl until next winter the way I was going!

But after sewing in what seemed like hundreds of ends, it's done and keeping me toasty warm.

I used Pattern 12 'Chevron Cowl' from the Cleckheaton Hats & Scarves Pattern Book.

It was labeled easy and was. I would consider myself a beginner knitter and there were terms I had not done before but I was able to find some great YouTube videos to help - listed below.

PSSO - pass slip stitch over

Knit into front and back of stitch

The pattern recommends Cleckheaton Country 8 Ply 50g balls using 6.5mm needles $4.50 per ball.

I used Heirlooom 8ply Alpaca in colours 964 - green , 988 cream & 954 bark - 2 balls of each, using 5mm needles. $8.50 per ball

I knitted 8 repeats of the pattern and it measured a bit over the required 120cm in length. I was concerned that it wasn't going to be long enough and was almost going to knit another sequence but I'm glad I didn't as the yarn has stretched in it's first few wears and now sits exactly how I want it to.

The only pain was sewing in all the ends as the pattern recommends you break off yarn after completing each stripe. This took forever!

I love it. It's warm and was easy to knit. I like how the Chevron pattern actually matches up when doubled.

New to sewing?

This quick video shows those that are new to sewing, a tip most of us more experienced sewers never think about as it becomes second nature!
When one of my Sew Schoolers mentioned it, I was reminded that other students in the Monbulk classes had also needed to be shown.

Want to learn all the basics to sewing from the comfort of your own home?

Check out Sew School Online. A six week course including lessons, charts & projects sheets.

Next enrolment intake is open!

Tips for understanding Sewing Patterns (Part 2)

After a free in house workshop on Understanding Sewing patterns, I'm putting together a series of blog posts summarising the main points we discussed.

Following on from Part 1 where we discussed choosing the right pattern, fabric and size, today we look at tips for basic pattern adjustments and reading your pattern.

Adding a cuff to the bottom of pants, a skirt hem or sleeves is a quick and easy way to add a unique finish, especially if you a contrasting fabric. I've added one above to my new flannel Pj bottoms.

The key to a great cuff is ensuring the inner seams are covered and finished off correctly.

Here's how it's done.....

Don't you hate it when you're almost finished a project, have turned it all in the right way but when you press your seams, the fabric folds inwards?

Here is a little tips to help you get beautiful seams and a professional finish.

Take a large knitting needle or crochet hook. Place it in between the two pieces of fabric and gently run the needle along the seam stitching pushing it outward. Press as you go.

Be careful not to use a pointy object that will go through the fabric and make a hole or tear your stitching!

New Product: Miniature Embroidery Hoop Kits

I get excited about all products that arrived here at The Haby Goddess but when it's as awesome as these from a local gal, it's even more exciting!

Melbourne based Sonia from Dandelyne has responded to the pleas from her customers and created a DIY Miniature Embroidery Hoop Kit. Measuring in at only 4cm/1.6" or 5.5cm/2.2" they will become a talking point whenever you wear them.

Now you can add your own cross stitch, embroidery or applique designs and wear them as a brooch or necklace.

Head to the online store for all the details.

Top Tips for understanding Sewing Patterns (Part 1)

When you are new to the wonderful world of sewing, reading and understanding sewing patterns can be a little overwhelming.

The Haby Goddess recently held an in house workshop going over the basics. Over the next few weeks, I'll publish some helpful blog posts to make the job of reading sewing patterns a little less daunting.

Choosing the right pattern.

Most patterns come with a rating from beginners to advanced but don't just accept that this will be suitable to your skill level.

Here's some handy questions to ask yourself:

Are you confident with all the techniques the pattern requires? Have you added a fly zip or slash pockets before?
Does your machine have all the attachments for the techniques needed? A walking foot, zip & buttonhole attachment are the most common.
What fabric is recommended? Is it a knit or silky fabric that can be harder for beginners to sew with? Is the fabric they suggest readily available.
Is it multi sized or do you need to buy a specific size?
Do you need additional supplies to trace the pattern? Some independent pattern makers print back to back so you can't cut them out.
Does this pattern suit your shape. Go through your wardrobe, you know what is comfortable. Try to start with styles that are safe and you will know will work.

Deciphering the back of a pattern envelope.

This will tell you what and how much fabric you will need and any additional notions such as zips, linings, interfacing etc.
Body measurements are given so that you can determine which size to make. Do not assume that the sizing of the commercially purchased clothing you wear will be the same as sewing patterns. US, UK & Australian sizing all vary and are not standard. It's a good idea to already have measured at home so you have all this info ready at the fabric store. Download this handy Body Measurements Reference card exclusive to Haby Goddess readers.

In many cases you will fall in between sizes. Bone structure, garment design and fabric selection can all play a part. Does fabric have any give (fabric cut on bias have more stretch), can buttonhole be moved over, are you shorter/petite with a smaller bone structure? Cup size is also something to consider. Most commercial patterns are only B cup. Colette Patterns are a C so again, nothing is standard - no wonder sewing patterns scare the life out of beginners!
Commercial patterns have two versions, one English (imperial - inches/yards) and the other in either French/Spanish (metric - cm/metres). So to determine the amount of fabric I need I refer to the metric side of the pattern.
Fabrics come in different widths so you also need to allow for this.

Before I cut into my pattern and fabric, I often Google the details. It is very likely you will find reviews from sewers like you and me on forums and blogs. Many will mention if the pattern sizing runs small/big, if something didn't work and many will offer suggestions on making the job easier and variations to try.

Some independent pattern makers will have additional instructions by way of blog posts etc on their websites explaining techniques - Colette Patterns are well known for this. Some even have sew-alongs. You could also shoot through a quick email if you were really stuck or had a question before purchasing their pattern.

Next time: You have selected a size and bought your fabric - what to do next?

Do you to learn all the basic to machine sewing but don't have the time for conventional classes? Check out Sew School Online with The Haby Goddess. A six week online course with 30 lessons, projects & bonus charts.

The Haby Goddess has a great School Holiday Program of classes for the Kids including knitting, sewing & craft for a range of ages.

So with some time on your hands while the kids get crafty, here's a few suggestions on what you can do while in the hills!

1. Retail Therapy. Browse the town's retail stores which include shoes, clothing, home and gift ware.
2. With 4 bakeries and a number of great cafes, enjoy a relaxing cuppa or morning tea.
3. Pamper yourself by getting your nails or hair done in one of our many salons.
4. Enjoy a beautiful walk on one of the many tracks in the Hills.
5. Visit The Road Stall for the freshest flowers or a local nursery
6. It is only a short drive to Kallista, Olinda and Belgrave.
7. Join in one of the group classes of boot camp, boxing or circuit.

Here is a full list of the school holiday classes available.
Or call 03 9752 11114 for more details.
All classes are held at The Haby Goddess retail store at 41 Main Road, Monbulk.

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:

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....

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.

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.

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.