Saffrons Blog

I'm a fabric designer, mum and creative crafty person. A blog about fabrics, projects, ideas and things that inspire me.

John Bokor

Saffron Craig - Monday, June 29, 2009

John Bokor is my favouite painter, he paints in oils on boards.
"Fleeting impressions of familiar still life objects - bottles, chairs and books, jostle for space with organic matter from the outside world - birds, cliffs and water. In past paintings trees punctuated a cityscape, they now dominate a landscape. Signature compression of Bokor’s mark making, that once reflected urban static, is now at work vigorously conveying the landscape of his studio and its windows where light feeds in and colour triumphs over subject matter." Courtney Kidd, 2009

King Street Gallery on Williams.
177 William St., Sydney

Opening night Wednesay. It runs from June 30, 2009 - July 25, 2009. Hope you Sydneysiders can make it. http://www.kingstreetgallery.com.au/exhibitions/future

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Coastal break

Saffron Craig - Monday, June 29, 2009

We headed South for a winter break to spend three days on the beach building castles and fishing, bush and beach walking with a few rock scales to get there. We watched the kangaroos such weird furry bouncy marsupials - oh we saw some joeys as well. Sequoia tried to snuggle one and got hugged back but the claws are a bit sharp and there were tears. She is an animal lover.
We also saw dolphins, always so majestic and a huge Sea eagle who took my breath away.
My brother Marcel's' family spent each day with us. Marcel caught a large salmon on dusk which we all ate for lunch, I just got my bait eaten by something sneaky, but worth it to stand on the beach and watch the sea fog roll in and the sky turn pink, grey then inky.
So much sunshine and aquamarine water. I felt so happy languishing in the warm winter sun without being fried (as the summer sun is prone to do). We had fun making pictures out of the cloud shapes. Spending hours with family without a care in the world is so wonderful.

Thats me with Coen-Marcel and Alison's baby boy. I cant get my hands off him. Such a happy soul.

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New designs - again!

Saffron Craig - Sunday, June 28, 2009

We have been working on the next designs. So many hours getting them finished and ready to send to the printers.
The designs are different that what I have previously worked on - more colours and more detail. Some crazy colour combinations. I let purple sneak in and I used aquamarine for the first time. Every time I think they are finished I find something else I need to alter and tweak or I get a new idea that I like better. Which I realize is the beginnings of another range. Any how they are off, Jim picked them up and they are in the printers hands now. Please do a terrific job.
We will be seeing them appear slowly over the next wee while. There will be a fairy or several and Elks, landscapes, bubbles and chocolate brown. A warm and snuggly range.

I thought I would show you one of the early drawings of my tulip fairy which seriously took an eon to finish. The stress I felt in selecting only one colour way was too much. I pray it will be a rocketing success and she will eventually be in many colour combinations like those seen below. Well that is the intention and l am putting it out there: let her eventually be found in 4 different colour ways!
Would you like that tulip fairy?

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11 comments

Bronwyn Swasbrick commented on 28-Jun-2009 12:23 AM

Ooooh, I love blue - the yellow on the fairy and butterfly really pops!! PRETTY! =)

Rhian commented on 28-Jun-2009 01:44 AM

Lovely, I particularly like the green and purple.

nic commented on 28-Jun-2009 03:04 AM

Oh, they're lovely. I think the green one is my favourite.

Rebecca Clarke commented on 28-Jun-2009 07:56 AM

Oh that is so cute, my fav is the green but I just loooove green. Also the blue as I prefer muted colours.

Melissa Hollenbeck commented on 28-Jun-2009 12:34 PM

WOW!!! I absolutely will buy these fairies in whatever colors it's in! gorgeous!!!
:) Missy

Angela Holden commented on 28-Jun-2009 01:03 PM

Love your tulip fairies in all colours. My wee neice would just love something made with the fabric - she loves fairies so look forward to your new fabric.

Abby Bruce commented on 28-Jun-2009 04:24 PM

OMG..... your work continues to inspire me....I cant wait to see more of this range.... I love how different it is from your other work.

Caroline Low commented on 28-Jun-2009 08:23 PM

I'm in the green and purple camp too...looking forward to seeing the new range. Your navy blue range from last year was a huge hit at my quilting weekend, once it is finally done, I'll send through a photo of the finished quilt!

tegan simmonds commented on 29-Jun-2009 05:29 PM

i love love love the design of the fairy! beautiful! and the colours are gorgeous... can't wait to see the range!!!
:)

fran commented on 30-Jun-2009 10:20 PM

wow! love the tulip fairy design. Green is usually my favourite colour but the yellow just sings - beautiful!

Sharon Feigl commented on 01-Jul-2009 02:39 PM

These are lovely. I think you must be in the zone (designing-wise). Great for us too. Not sure which I like best.

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Hexagons are growing

Saffron Craig - Thursday, June 25, 2009

This is where I am at with my paper piecing hexagon quilt. I sit down at night and stitch a several together. Helped by winter nights, good telly tea and oh so much chocolate.
Has any one tried thimble ladies new hexagon piecing technique?
Probably to late for this project as I am well into it. I do like innovation and it sounds like it could be great. I am reading about it in the Australian Quilters companion, one of the many magazines I bought from the Sydney craft show. Well, this is a paper piecing quilt, that will grow and grow and grow. It is 16 rows by 16 rows at the moment. And I thought I would but I am not going crazy, I am rather intrigued by it all.

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7 comments

Lucy Bowler commented on 25-Jun-2009 06:28 PM

I love the hexagons. I want to make a quilt for my son, but think I will start off with squares for my first! What is the thimble ladies technique for hexagons that you're referring to?!

Leah Clark-Vial commented on 25-Jun-2009 06:48 PM

They're curiously addictive, aren't they :) And yours are looking great!

Katy Jones commented on 25-Jun-2009 06:54 PM

oh Saffron, the hexagons are looking amazing!

tegan simmonds commented on 25-Jun-2009 07:53 PM

Yvette told me about your website, as i have admired your fabric on cushions around her house for months!!! i am in love!!! beautiful! you are extremely talented, and should be very proud of your work! look forward to my order arriving in the mail so i can make some cushion covers!!!

tegan
xxx

nic commented on 26-Jun-2009 05:49 AM

I keep coming back to this post, I've never been interested in hexagon quilts before but this one has me fascinated.
I have a fabric buying outing coming up and I think I'll look for some fabric to start one of my own.
Thank you for sharing these pics.

nicole vos commented on 26-Jun-2009 11:53 PM

It's very pretty, I love the subtle colours!

natasha dines commented on 14-Aug-2009 09:37 PM

Hi Saffron,

Just LOVE this hexagon quilt! I too, have never been remotely interested in one but with your fabrics, I am ready! Are you able to tell me how much fabric I would need if I was to make one in a queen size bed and whether your fabrics are still available.

Ta!

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Give away - Owl nesting fabric

Saffron Craig - Wednesday, June 24, 2009

I have a repeat of the owl nesting fabric to give away which celebrates the arrival of the new fabrics the Owl range and the Fields range. There are not many Australian fabric designers who handle the design production and distribution, I am finding out why. I am doing what I love and I am so grateful for that.

If you are keen for a piece of the Owl nesting please simply leave a brief comment on one of my blog posts over the next week and I will announce the winner on July 1st which is only next Wednesday! But make sure you enter your email address so we can contact you!

If you are shy and don't know what to say I am interested in what you will make with the fabric or who you will give the fabric to?

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51 comments

Rhian commented on 24-Jun-2009 04:48 AM

I love this fabric. Owls make such great prints. I visited an Owl and Otter sanctuary last weekend with my pregnant sister in law, so I think something for the new baby would have to be made with it. I'm not too sure what yet, something that the baby doesn't outgrow though so that it doesn't get packed away after a few months.

danielle commented on 24-Jun-2009 11:41 AM

i am totally in love with ALL these fabrics, but owls have to be one of my fave's- and i love this cushion...maybe i need to make me one of those ; )

Please enter me for the draw!!

Sharon Feigl commented on 24-Jun-2009 12:49 PM

Just love the owls. I would like to use it as a centrepiece for a quilt.

Cass Ward commented on 24-Jun-2009 12:57 PM

Love this fabric. I would probably use it on a bag

rhonda commented on 24-Jun-2009 02:05 PM

This Owl fabric is too funky to be hidden away. I'm envisaging new cushion covers for the couch with a matching mat or table runner for the coffee table.

Tessa commented on 24-Jun-2009 02:06 PM

I have painted a fab tree on my sons wall and had a felt owl made to go in it so as this would go so well with the theme it would have to be for is room.. I am thinking of framing it possibly or else a cover for a cute chair I just bought that needs doing up and currently has no seat!!

Amanda commented on 24-Jun-2009 02:14 PM

The feautured fabric is adorable. I would sew it on the front panel of my Mei Tai baby carrier.

Jemma commented on 24-Jun-2009 02:21 PM

Sewing is not my forte, so I would make some lovely stretched canvas prints with it. They would look great in a nursery!

Lyn commented on 24-Jun-2009 02:22 PM

Beautiful fabric...gotta love owls. I think it will have to be a funky snuggle cushion for my baby. You know the ones that wrap around baby to support them sitting up. I think that would be very cute!

Lyn commented on 24-Jun-2009 02:24 PM

Kobie commented on 24-Jun-2009 02:52 PM

I would have to make my daughter a dress from this, it would be very funky, I think a nice reversible pinafore with some lovely oversized buttons.

Marnie commented on 24-Jun-2009 02:55 PM

Definately some cushions I think would look fabulous, or a cool nappy bag.

Petra commented on 24-Jun-2009 03:36 PM

I love your fabrics, especially your Fairy stripe and Ginkgo blossoms fabrics.

Christine commented on 24-Jun-2009 03:54 PM

Your fabrics are just beautiful and I'd looooove to win some - especially the owls. Loving owls at the moment.

Christine xo

Sarah commented on 24-Jun-2009 05:22 PM

This is so cute, i'd use it as a feature panel on the front of a long-sleeved onesie for my little one, and on a bag for her big sis.

Marnie commented on 24-Jun-2009 05:57 PM

I love this fabric! I would pass it on to my creative sister and demand she make me something cool for my house like a cushion or picture.

Nikki commented on 24-Jun-2009 05:58 PM

Thanks for having a giveaway and congratulations on the arrival of your new fabrics. I am covering little suitcases for my kids for their special things and would use the owls for these.

Carmen commented on 24-Jun-2009 06:03 PM

This fabric is gorgeous :-) I would love to see those owls sitting on my couch, so I'd make them into a cushion to go on the new couch I am getting when our new house is finished.

Anthea commented on 24-Jun-2009 09:11 PM

Love the fabric, and love the dress it was made into! I would love to make it into some type of kids clothing. Maybe a dress, skirt or top...the possibilities are endless!

Melinda commented on 24-Jun-2009 09:51 PM

I love this fabric and could really see it as fabric wall art in a trendy nursery/bedroom. That's how I would use it anyway!

Kris commented on 24-Jun-2009 11:43 PM

The fabric is gorgeous, I would use it to make a bag for my knitting (as that's about as far as my sewing ability stretches so hopefully someone with talent wins it!)

Amber commented on 25-Jun-2009 10:27 AM

I love your new print Saffron! My best friend just had a baby girl 4 days ago, so would make a gorgeous play mat for little Abigail, using this panel as the centrepiece.

Beatrix Sadek commented on 25-Jun-2009 10:44 AM

Oh my, I am so in love with this fabric. I don't think I will have the gutts to cut into it should I be so lucky to win it. I might use it as part of a blanket. But then I would definetly have to buy some of your other owl print. Thanks for the chance to win.

Steph Bond commented on 25-Jun-2009 12:54 PM

Love this fabric Saffron! I would cover some canvas with it and pop it up on Sophie's wall straight away. She looooves owls and would fall asleep "hooo hooo hooo"ing.

courtney turner commented on 25-Jun-2009 05:43 PM

I ADORE this fabric- well done you clever clever lady!!! I would want to make something scrumptious for myself however I believe I would have to buy more off you as both my daughter- who is 8 and eagerly learning to master her own sewing machine, and my 5 year old son- who like to sit and sew brick pattern rows for me- they would fight me for it I reckon!!!! Cant wait to see what wonderful amazing future creations you make!!!! :)

Kelly Aldred commented on 25-Jun-2009 06:12 PM

Wow I love love love the owl fabric.I would definitely use it for clothing for my kids - a little pinny for the girls or I would be tempted to make the little man a comfy pair of 3/4 pants for summer. Your little girl looks lovely in her dress :)

glenda mieni commented on 25-Jun-2009 06:13 PM

wow oh wow this owl nesting fabric is totally awesome,it would be awesome my 2 little grandie girls a dress with this fabric being the main feature on the front,of course it would be on the big side so they could get lots of use and comments from it

Vanessa Stark commented on 25-Jun-2009 06:21 PM

What couldn’t you do with a nice bit of owl fabric? Loving this new range.

Caroline Low commented on 25-Jun-2009 06:25 PM

I love your new owls - I'm just getting around to sewing the quilt for my son from your fabrics I bought at last year's show...and I'm loving those navy blue owls too.

anna de jonge commented on 25-Jun-2009 06:26 PM

have ordered some of the bird fabric, at the expense of the nesting owl fabric so of course am thrilled to have the chance to win the owl!

Rebecca Clarke commented on 25-Jun-2009 06:59 PM

Oh I hope it's me, I am loving your new range but am having trouble cutting into the fabric that I already have off you.

Lisa Kingston commented on 25-Jun-2009 07:29 PM

Lovely colours, lovely illustrations, lovely photos!!!
I like the clothing ideas, I just "got" 2 new nieces and 1 new nephew in the last month (they've been a long time coming...), so better start think about sewing some kids clothes for Christmas presents! Cheers.

Vivienne Bahr commented on 25-Jun-2009 07:34 PM

I love all yor prints, but especially the owls. I had never seen cute things like this before I discovered your site recently. I would probably make a bag to take when fabric shopping.

tegan simmonds commented on 25-Jun-2009 08:05 PM

hehehe i agree with Rebecca Clark!!! it is so beautiful i feel like i can't cut it!!! :-O

i will be using it to staple over canvas boards and hang around my room!!! i am moving house at the moment and it makes a great decoration for the walls! (and doesn't require any talent on my behalf, as i'm not the greatest sewing - still need more practise!)i will also be attempting to make some cushion covers... wish me luck!

:o)

Linda Ronne commented on 25-Jun-2009 09:17 PM

That is so darn cute, love the colour combo, thanks for the chance.

Jayne Traeger-Bliss commented on 25-Jun-2009 10:03 PM

I've been following your new range since your first mention of it. Your daughter's dress is delightful!! I think I would make one for my son!!! (I keep threatening to do it - there is just so much cool stuff out there for the Little Miss and I WANT TO USE IT!!) But really (deep breath), I would make myself a groovy skirt.

Nancy Leee commented on 25-Jun-2009 11:13 PM

Such a gorgeous fabric line. I love the owls and the orange...
I would make some accessories for my bedroom.

ecky commented on 26-Jun-2009 07:58 AM

i'd use it to make a dress for my little one

CK commented on 26-Jun-2009 11:45 AM

How wonderful! One of my best friends has just recently told me that her daughter is pregnant, so I would use the fabric to make something special for the new baby.

Abby Bruce commented on 26-Jun-2009 05:59 PM

I am so excited that your new fabric is in stock YAY..... I love this giveaway so generous. I have been coveting this fabric to make a 'kinda matchy saffron craig" quilt for my 2 yo..... I made my babe one out of your elephant fabric.

nicole vos commented on 26-Jun-2009 11:57 PM

Lovely give away (again!). I would probably make a cushion for the reading corners in both my daughters new rooms. The oldest will get a nature themed room and the youngest a forest and fairy tale themed room so it would fit the themes wonderfully!

Vicky Huang commented on 27-Jun-2009 01:34 PM

Love this fabric. Love owls. I have your other owl fabrics. I would definitely want to put this on a panel and hang it in my little cubby hole aka sewing room.

Julie commented on 27-Jun-2009 02:41 PM

I would make this into a wall hanging with a rustic wooden frame for my 3 month old sons bedroom. it is gorgeous.

Lily Mulholland commented on 27-Jun-2009 03:02 PM

I would love to make a little wallhanging and matching cushions for my daughter's bedroom! Your owls are just so cute!

Megan commented on 27-Jun-2009 10:17 PM

The Owl fabric is beautiful! Hmm, what would I use it for??? I think I would use it to make a quilt for my baby girls cot. It is most divine!

Bronwyn Hooper commented on 29-Jun-2009 07:13 PM

An owl bag for my Brown Owls meetings! Such fun fabric and so original!

fran commented on 30-Jun-2009 10:23 PM

Love your fabrics - can't wait to buy some!

Kirsten commented on 01-Jul-2009 11:04 AM

Love the owl fabric - so cute :)

Jossee commented on 02-Jul-2009 09:49 PM

I just bought the Ginkgo blossoms & the other owl fabric that is just red & white, I'm making my 3 mth old daughter's cot quilt with the owl and the ginkgo blossoms as the crib skirt, with the left overs I'm making cushion covers for the lounge that we have in there. I was just online trying to find wall decals to match this but finding it difficult to fine an owl or blossom that looks similar. With the one you give for free I'd make more cushion covers or a cover for the change table.

crazypatch commented on 12-Aug-2009 08:55 PM

I love your fabrics and owls.

Can I purchase these fabrics in France or must order them at home ....

Amanda Sutherland commented on 07-Aug-2011 10:42 PM

I have been trolling the internet for days hunting for the right owl fabric to feature in doona covers for my two little girls. So glad I found you!

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Owl nesting dress

Saffron Craig - Wednesday, June 24, 2009

My gilrfriend Myrna has all her sewing gear in storage, she was wondering if she had lost her skills? So she spent a day sewing with me. Myrna sewed this one. Can you come next week please? Its so much fun to chat and sew.
While I was designing these fabrics, specifically the Owl Nesting, I was imagining making it into garments. Funnily enough it is pre-school photo day for our Blossom. She was very excited to have a new dress and like a celebrity she waltzed into Kindi. Yes she wore her sunnies (all her idea)! I am thinking oh lal la. Oh well she is proud as punch probably a good mirror for me to recognize. I still err on the shy side.

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5 comments

Michelle Law commented on 24-Jun-2009 09:28 AM

What a fabulous dress! I bet she was the swankiest preschooler in the school photo!

Jen Burn commented on 24-Jun-2009 12:03 PM

Just lovely. My daughter loves wearing my handmade dresses to child care, too... but then they come home splattered with food and paint. Sob!

Sharon Feigl commented on 24-Jun-2009 12:51 PM

That dress looks absolutely fabulous. Don't think my son wear it to kinder though LOL. Its such a wonderful design. Congratulations

Melissa Hollenbeck commented on 25-Jun-2009 02:15 AM

Saffron, I love the owls and am planning to use it to tie in the red wall in my little girl's room with the rest of the girlie colors in there. I would probably use it in one of their quilts I'm going to make.
:) Missy

Heidi Goldstone commented on 28-Jun-2009 05:32 PM

Hi Saffron, I adore your new fabrics - thank you for inspiring me! I have been looking for the pillowcase dress pattern which I think your little daughter is wearing. I know it is very simple but may I request the pattern name from you.
Heartfelt thanks from Heidi.

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The field range in one bag

Saffron Craig - Tuesday, June 23, 2009

While I am in a sewing and constructing mood and my house is full of thread, yes there is stuff everywhere! I thought I would take the opportunity to make Kathryn aka Darls a bag to cart the samples around in as she visits shops around Australia. The pattern of this bag was designed by "Melly and Me". It’s the second time I have made this bag and each time I see genius. It is a terrific shape comfortable to wear and easy to find things in. Very practical. And well I like practical as much as I love beauty.

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1 comments

Mandy Alden commented on 25-Jun-2009 07:00 PM

I'm making my 4th "Meadow" bag at the moment! Lots to love about how you've done yours.

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10 cm Blocks

Saffron Craig - Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Last night I started to chop up the owl nesting fabric. I cut up 10 cm squares and started doing some crazy block piecing. This is a few of the blocks I hand stitched, while I watched 80 gardens of the world. It is the beginning of a new quilt. One with small pieces, large appliqué and piecing. The tiny ant which crawls up the tree in the owls nesting is one of the fabric's tiny details that might get lost on the product images in the shop.

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Dandelion purse

Saffron Craig - Monday, June 15, 2009

Dandelion purse for a change. Its a nice surprise to have the pink inside.

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2 comments

nicole vos commented on 15-Jun-2009 01:37 AM

What a lovely colour combo! I love the dandelion design too. I think I need to buy some of that soon!

Nikki commented on 15-Jun-2009 12:33 PM

The pink is a perfect surprise!

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Craft and quilt fair

Saffron Craig - Saturday, June 13, 2009

Was a different experience for me this year! The first hour I missed the buzz of having a stand but I reminded myself I went in the capacity of a shopper. Magazines, thread, crystals, paper and fabric were my purchases.

From a professional view point I wanted to see how my choice of colours fared - which fabrics I could combine with my designs. It seemed the my new fabrics worked in with many other designers’ collections. PHEW.

Kathryn and I introduced ourselves to stall holders said our hellos. From Hobart to Brisbane quilting shops were there, each shop with inspired quilts bags and crafts. As I am in my own world most of the year I was apprehensive to see whom the Field range and the Owl range resonated with, though I needed not be people are so encouraging. I loved meeting the country quilt shops being from a town of 500 I related. Oh those sweet men helping out there wives dreaming of their tractors - personality plus is why she brought you. I had many a good chat and experienced heart felt happiness.

As we walked to central station to catch the train to the ferry I felt elated. I have never seen the show like I did this time. What did you think?

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3 comments

Melissa Hollenbeck commented on 13-Jun-2009 08:50 AM

It sounds like you had a great time even though you didn't have a stand. those new magazines should keep you busy for awhile ;) and that grey fabric with the pink leaves is beautiful! is it wool?

stay warm,
Missy

Michelle Law commented on 13-Jun-2009 11:08 AM

I was there the same day as you, as I saw your name on one of the mailing lists.

I approached the fair from a different standpoint - one of being an uninspired quilter, needing inspiration. And boy, was I inspired. I was able to get quilt kits from Material Obsession and Kiwi Quilts, and I think they will get my creative juices flowing again. And I bought some Batik jelly rolls as well, for something a little different. I learnt a few new techniques in the workshops too.

I'm a crocheter too, and while I was inspired by some of the yummy yarn, I didn't buy a thing.

I felt like I was finally back to my roots - stitchery, batiks and quilting. It felt really nice.

Gay McDonell commented on 14-Jun-2009 02:59 PM

I didn't go - holding out to the one in August ... Saffron, your stuff is so refreshing and clever - miles ahead of the majority of fabrics on the market ... all things come to those who ..... (at least that's what I keep telling myself!!!).