Saffrons Blog

I have just entered my first print into the  Spoonflower Ditsy Sea Creatures Fabric Contest. I was inspired by the underwater theme and started drawing up some small fish, for a small scale print. There are 14 pages of entries. Mine is called Triangle Fish. You can vote here if you like: Spoonflower contest (pleasedo)

As always, I'd love to hear your feedback on my design?

Have you ordered anything from Spoonflower?

Kelli Hynes commented on 13-Feb-2012 11:50 AM

I love it! I haven't used Spoonflower...Yet....Do you use special design software? I can't seem to get what is in my head onto my pc screen. Best of luck in the comp, I am going on there now, do the people vote, or do Spoonflower?? (PS. Voodoo Rabbit has
used Spoonflower-maybe you could ask them?)

Ana commented on 13-Feb-2012 10:52 PM

Your print is lovely but somehow the grid of triangles distracts me from the randomness of the fish (although I like the idea of the triangles). That wouldn't stop me from buying some though - I see a pair of little boy's shorts there for the summer.

It is funny the memories that stick from being a child and I have many memories of sewing and making things. I think that is is nice to ask children to start sewing and designing as early as they can make their own decision about it. If they feel involved I think it becomes part of who they are.

Okie my nephew is three. I wanted to do a simple sewing project with him when he showed interest in one of the softie panels.  He wanted to sew his puppy on a shirt and not make it into a toy. So the puppy was neatly cut out leaving a bit of white space around the puppy.

I asked him to practice pinning, which he was really good at. No pricked fingers and these needles are really sharp.

Funny how three year olds love putting things in rows.

Then we pinned the puppy onto his T-shirt exactly as he wanted it. Easy decision; the green one on the front the grey one on the back.

I asked him to push the foot on the machine and my surprise he was really gentle and slow. I also asked him to sit at the machine and  managed to sew along one straight line of the puppy before his attention frayed.

He put the T-shirt on as soon as it was finished.  I asked if I could take his picture but he ran away at the thought of it. I snapped this one before he hid in the garden.

What sewing projects have you done with your little ones?

Ana commented on 09-Feb-2012 11:06 PM

My (nearly) 1 year old is too young for sewing (still at the eating the pins stage - if I let him!) but I look forward to him developing an interest in crafting. And the t-shirt is lovely - might have to make one as a birthday present...

porch days commented on 11-Feb-2012 05:36 PM

How wonderful you took the time to sew with a 3 year old. Youngsters can do more than we often give them credit for. The shirt is very cute.

On repeat for me this week has been the Loins Roar by sister duet the First Aid Kit.

They are coming out to Oz on their world wide tour.. I bought my tickets. Some little birdy told me Frankie magazine is helping to bring them out.

• • Rebecca Nicholson wrote there's an undertow to its sun-kissed demeanour; listen closely and the lyrics are shot through with darkness and gloom. "Now the pale morning sings of forgotten things…" begins the title track and opener, setting a mournful, nostalgic tone from the off.
    

salon marketing commented on 06-Feb-2012 12:03 PM

You could certainly see your expertise in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren't afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.

So cool to see the quilt I made with my Owls fabric range in the current Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

My Mum rang last night saying she'd bought five copies and sent them around the world! She is most excited and so good to me.

Maybe you're wondering how I got into the Better Homes and Gardens magazine? I met the staff at the Australian Stitches and Craft show in Darling Harbour last year. A few weeks later Louise was reading my blog and I had just made a new kit using the newly reprinted Owl fabric.

Louise then rang me and asked if I would would like to publish the quilt. She had an idea she wanted to pitch to her editor, seemed the quilt fitted in perfectly for the pitch. Strange really as I was just preparing an email to a few blogs asking if they wanted to share the Owl in Tree quilt with their readers, it was my goal for the day. The Universe does listen. I could not have asked for a better person to work with. 

I remember finishing a second quilt in case they liked it better, here is that post, if you missed it. I then couriered both quilts and the cushion so she could choose. Voila.

My sister just rang and excitedly asked if I'm going to be on TV?  Mum says you are in Better Homes and Gardens! Doh!

You can buy the Owl In Tree quilt kit here for $49.50.

Valentine's day is only a week away and to get you into the lovin' spirit here's a wallpaper you can download and put on your phone, iPad or computer.

Download this image by right-clicking on the size and "save as":

 1920x1280px  |  1280x800 |  iPad (or other table) | iPhone (or other smart phone)

You can click here to email a download link to your iPhone (or other smart phone)

Tell me if you like it please.

Johanna Baker-Dowdell commented on 01-Feb-2012 05:43 PM

Saffron this is gorgeous! Downloading right now.

Just like that the school year has started. Sequoia has gone into the first grade. The same uniform and shoes as last year.

 I love this drawing she did this morning. Thought you might to?. It's quiet here. How is it with you?

I stumbled upon Missy Mao on my Facebook page this week and I wanted to share her creations with you. I love her style and how she has given my fabrics the wonderful vintage feel. Its very encouraging for me.

 

On her blog she writes "Just to make you feel like the perfect princess, housewife come super woman. Bake your day away in this lovely Missy Mao Mao apron." So true!

The pictures are just so charming, so pop over to Missy Mao's blog and have a look.

Also spotted this week was a blog post on my new Magical Lands range on Bondville. Steph is a great buddy of mine, we share so much in common.  I feel very luck to know such a creative people. So ogle her blog if you have a moment.

Salley Govey commented on 29-Jan-2012 08:09 PM

You must get quite excited to see your "babies" come to life in others hands. These are gorgeous.

I was thrilled with the performance of Beth Orton at the Sydney Festival on Tuesday. Honestly she was funny, charming and so breathtaking, what a voice and songwriter. She was joined on stage for a few songs by Sam Amidon and what a talent. He is playing tonight at the Spiegletent, then goes to Perth. 

All week I have been listening to his album, I see the sign. It's only $8 through his website. The album features the amazing Beth Orton on a few songs. Summertime folksy guitar music, seabreaze and salty skin from surfing is certainly very me at the moment.

I also wanted to share a tune from Beth off her website. Beth played some new songs at the gig and did mention she has just finished recording a new album, I can't wait for that to be released, as the songs were fab.

What music has made your summer playlist so far?

When I was designing the Dandelion Kisses fabric I had the feeling of girls and summer in mind.

Lovely Rachel of Four Wise Monkeys shared with me her latest sewing success on her blog. I thought you might enjoy it as well. Pop over and read about how she made it. 

This also got me to thinking about similarities and that we too have a guinea pig who looks so very similar and don't say they all do.. Cause they don't! :)

Our George is now really the size of a small dog. I haven't shown him since he was six weeks old and he is now a much loved pet. 

Even if my daughter's attention span for him is only for 5 minutes a day at present...Though today it was ten minutes as he'd lost a tooth. "Look mummy, George is the same age as me, he's losing his teeth!". Thankfully they grow back in case you're wondering...

Big thanks to Rachel for sharing, a $20 gift voucher is on its way for taking such lovely photos and writing in.

I'd love to hear about and see your creations.

Rachel Measham-Pywell commented on 01-Feb-2012 04:27 PM

Thanks Saffron! George does look just like Princess, Maya's guinea pig