Blog Posts

How to - cross stitch

Begin by making the bottom half of the stitches, up at A down at B, up at C, across the row. Then return along the row to make the top half. Stitches can be worked individually or in rows but all top stitches must face the same direction.

How to - back stitch

Bring needle up through the fabric, one stitch ahead of the starting point. Go down through the fabric one stitch behind, then out again one stitch ahead. Continue in this way.

A global view - Destination: Zambia

“I was lucky enough to recently travel to Zambia in Africa to see how women in developing countries are undertaking training in sewing & tailoring as a means of social & economic development.” - Janine Janine Nutley from Spotlight’s Kawana Waters (QLD) store recently travelled to Zambia in Southern Africa. ...

A brief history of... the apron

Necessity is the mother of invention or so they say and so it is that the apron came about, saviour of women’s (and some men’s) clothing as they’ve cooked and cleaned their way through the decades. Some youngsters would be shocked to hear it but, in times gone by, we ...

Shop & sew at Thread Den

Public sewing lounges. Long term readers of the 'get creative' magazine might remember the story of the Stitch Lounge in San Francisco, USA, that we reported on. Hailed as one of the first combined retail and sewing spaces, the business has now closed (though it retains an online presence) but ...

Tablecloth Help

I am having trouble finding a round tablecloth in the size (186cm) and colour that I want. Is it too hard or could I make it myself? Sharni (NSW)

A brief history of... Fashion illustration

Fashion at its best remains an art form and, before a garment can be made, its concept must be communicated to others - to those who do the sewing and construction. Hence, fashion illustration becomes an essential instrument in the designer’s tool box. And, even today, when the computer has ...

Inside the studios of creative women

In the late 1920s the famous English author, Virginia Woolf, delivered some essays that came to be published under the title, ‘A Room of One’s Own’. In the years since, these writings have become famous for one of the key messages they presented; that “a woman must have money and ...

How to - satin stitch

Bring the needle up at A, then down at B and slide the needle through to C. Continue this process, ensuring the stitches are parallel and close together until the shape is filled.

How to - chain stitch

Bring thread up at A. Insert needle back into fabric at same place B and bring needle point up at C. Before pulling needle through fabric take thread under point of needle as shown. Repeat to make a row of chain stitch.

How to - straight stitch

Bring needle up at A and go down at B. The stitches should lie flat on the fabric and not be too long as they may catch. This stitch can be worked in any direction.

How to - stem stitch

Work from left to right and keep the thread below the needle. Come up at A and go back down at B. Come out again at C which is halfway along the length of the previous stitch.

How to - running stitch

Bring the needle over and under the fabric, making sure the upper stitches are of equal length. The under stitches also need to be of equal length but half the length of the upper ones.

How to - lazy daisy

Bring the needle up at A. Slide the needle from B (as close as you can get it to A but not through the same hole) through to C. Ensure to take the tip of the needle over the loop formed. Go down at D. This creates a holding stitch.

How to - french knot

Bring needle up at A, wind the thread around the needle once or twice. Go back down at B and secure at the back.

How to - cross stitch

Begin by making the bottom half of the stitches, up at A down at B, up at C, across the row. Then return along the row to make the top half. Stitches can be worked individually or in rows but all top stitches must face the same direction.

How to - blanket stitch

Working stitch from left to right, bring needle from back to front at A. insert needle to back to front in a single motion at B and C. Before pulling needle through fabric, take thread under point of needle as shown (C then becomes A for the next stitch).

How to - back stitch

Bring needle up through the fabric, one stitch ahead of the starting point. Go down through the fabric one stitch behind, then out again one stitch ahead. Continue in this way.

Projects

Jewellery roll

The simplest sewing skills can get you started on creating useful and pretty accessories for yourself or loved ones.

Street sign style

Ready, steady, go! Polar fleece, the sewing machine & a few short hours are all you need to become the most popular decorator in the household.

Embellished skirt

Inspired by Alison Willoughby... try our version of skirt art.

Evening shawl

Modern trims & braids allow you to embellish garments quickly & easily.

Call me Señor Frog!

This is such a gorgeous soft toy.

Toy pocket curtains

A cute & clever storage idea that small residents will adore.

Table runner

Patterned hessian gets a makeover using colourful tassels.

Cushion colour

Dress up any room with bright, happy cushion covers that are quick to create.

Suave organiser

No more losing the keys, watch, sunglasses, spare change & so forth. Make this masculine, sophisticated organiser for Dad and dress up his Father’s Day.

Chair pad to go!

This chair pad is designed to use in your studio or to take to workshops; it adds extra height & comfort to any chair.

Rotary cutter pouch

The 'get creative' magazine Creative Coordinator received one of these bags as a gift and asked the maker if we could feature it as a project.

Painter’s ‘pinny’

Not just for painters, this apron is suitable for any crafter. An ideal gift that can be made to match the décor in the studio or workroom.

Sewer’s apron

This apron can be made with or without the removable pin cushion. All the pockets make it a handy accessory for any artist or crafter.

Geri giraffe

Download Pattern PDF Here: http://su.pr/2GWyZx [su.pr] Handmade toys are always sentimental favourites with adults & children alike.

Cupcake pin cushion

The obsession with cupcakes continues...

Patchwork tote

Embrace the new season with fabrics that reflect the beauty of spring.

Dashing dog lead

How good would your furry friend look with this?!

Wallet world

Get organised... with style!

Teepee

Use your sewing skills to create a world of adventure for the littlest explorers in your life.

Hot stuff! Coffee sleeve

Have fun with free machine embroidery & use your fabric scraps in this simple project that makes a great office gift.

Spots & Stripes Quilt

Create this quilt using fabrics from the 'Spots & Stripes' range. Quilt measures: 34" x 46" (86cm x 117cm)

Spots & Stripes Bunting

Create this project using fabrics from the Spots & Stripes range.

Spots & Stripes Bag

Create this decorative bag using the fabrics from the 'Spots & Stripes' range.

Rocker Chic Bag

Make your own Rockin' Bag featuring rocker chic buttons and applique. Use these ideas to decorate and style your own!

Frilly Apron

Create this decorative frilly apron in ten simple steps!

Neck tie purse

If spring cleaning means cleaning out the wardrobe, don’t throw away all the ties.

Fabric tags

Knowing how to work with fusible materials opens up new creative pathways.

Sunlounge sewing

Why pay the earth for outdoor accessories this year when you could make your own?

Wet bag for swimmers

Say goodbye to squelchy swimsuits at the bottom of the school or beach bag with this canny sewing project.

Yoga mat bag

A practical project for summer sewers & one that can be easily adapted for other uses.

Automotive organiser

Got long drives ahead of you over the holidays? Make this great seat pocket organiser & make travel tidy.

Fabric postcards

Now you can try your hand at one of Nic Bridges’ designs for a Christmas postcard.

Dancing diva mobile

Fat quarters take on a new life in this whimsical sewing adventure.

Flanged cushion cover

Try your hand at this romantic cushion.

Four-patch cushion cover

Try your hand at this romantic cushion.

Flanged rectangle cushion cover

Try your hand at this romantic cushion.

Insert lace cushion cover

Try your hand at this romantic cushion.

Woven square cushion cover

Try your hand at this romantic cushion.

How to - Gathering fabric

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners

How to - Tailor tacks

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners

Get the basics - Gütermann threads

Full details regarding the basic tools you'll need.

How to - Sew on bias binding

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners.

How to - Fusible binding

A fusible binding is perfect for display pieces such as wall hangings that will not receive the wear & tear that bed quilts do & it’s easy and fast to make.

Evening bag

Sassy & simple - this go anywhere evening bag suits various ages & styles, plus it lets you frolic with fringing.

Bridal bounty

Make & fill this bag with fun & functional items to help the bride’s special day run more smoothly. It’s a great Hens Night gift.

China keeper

Protect your favourite china. See the instructions on how to make the right size keeper for your china.

Fabric book # 1

A small project with loads of potential; play with scraps, stitches, adhesives & more!

Fabric book # 2

A small project with loads of potential; play with scraps, stitches, adhesives & more!

Fabric book # 2

A small project with loads of potential; play with scraps, stitches, adhesives & more!

Lace & lights

Decorate votive candle holders using a few simple stitches.

Button beauties - Cushions

Perfect for teenagers and tweens

Bean bag buddies

You'll play for hours with these.

Mini tissue envelope

Simple sewing: A gorgeous gift or something to brighten up your own purse.

Autumn leafy cushion

Collect your favourite shaped autumnal leaves this season & use them as the basis for unique creative projects.

Get the basics - sewing machine needles

Needle selection is determined by the type of fabric (knit, weave, stretch or leather), the weight of the fabric (sheer, cotton, canvas, denim or upholstery) and the type of sewing being done (seams, hems, topstitching, embroidery or quilting).

Coin purse

A stylish coin purse can cost a pretty penny but, right now, you probably have everything you need to make your own.

Embellished apron

Take away some of the drudgery of household chores with some apron activity.

Two times the apron

Grandma might have had a reversible apron but not one this pretty!

Handy apron

Take a leaf out of the book of the world’s waiters & incorporate a hand towel element in this apron.

Patchwork belt

Get creative with your fabric scraps this season & make the perfect accessory.

Double-sided headbands

Yet another creative & economic idea for using up fabric scraps.

How to - Stitch on ribbon & trims

Learn a new skill

Felt bookmark

I love to read & craft in the garden. How pretty are these book marks?

How to - strip piecing

Strip piecing eliminates the need to work with small individual pieces of fabric and can save lots of time when making quilts with complex blocks. The basic machine technique involves cutting strips, stitching them together to form a strip set, cutting them into units which are stitched together into blocks. ...

How to - Double hem

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners.

Textmas Man's Apron

Download PDF: http://su.pr/2EXw1g [su.pr]

Your Inspiration Room