My Holly Hobbie Hot Water Bottle Cover for the Hottie Challenge

I finally decided to take the plunge & take part in a Hottie Challenge for the Margaret Pratt Foundation.

The aim is to make a Hot Water Bottle Cover, it did not need to be a functional cover, the only rule was: The cardboard template must be used.

I loved the idea that any art medium or textile technique could be used.
I felt like I was a teen again. Well... just meaning I was using some of the  sewing techniques I used to use way back then.


My Hot Water Bottle Cover entry for the 'The 2013 Hottie Challenge'.
It's called 'My Hottie - Warm As Pie'.

My inspiration is from my Holly Hobbie Buntings I made early this year (in store now).

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123908545/holly-hobbie-vintage-floral-flag-bunting?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=hobbie 

 http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=820178


I wanted to create a Hottie that used different sewing techniques & fabrics.
Basically this 'Hottie' includes some of my favorite things.

 I first  did some patchwork squares with vintage floral fabrics and then sewn it on to quilting battening.
I used a small panel of Hollie Hobbie Fabric machine sewn on to the patchwork.

I knew I wanted to hand embroider some text so i did so by using embroidery threads.
Oh... and I cheated a little. I printed out the text on to paper & embroidered over the text. Actually it worked out alright.

I have hand sewn small doilies & used tiny beads - three in the middle of each tiny doily.

The back was done by using an unwanted jumper/sweater of mine!
I felted the jumper, actually the first time I did this!
Luckily it worked!

I used some green bias binding for the very top of the hottie to finish it off.

Now I'm looking forward to next year's hottie cover, no idea what I'll do but I know it will be fun & money raised from the sale will go to a very worthy charity.


A big thank you to Cam at The Curly Pops Shop.
A group entry of about 100 entries is an amazing effort, well done!
For more info:
http://curlypops.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/the-2013-hottie-challenge.html

Below, my Hottie in the making.....

My unwanted jumper & florals for patchwork

Below, my Hottie in the making.....

Just the 'almost' finished of the 'cover' only

Vintage Rainbow Bright Floral Bunting

Well.... It's about time I photographed and listing my Rainbow Floral Bunting!
In early May this year I made an Ombre Yellow bunting with yellow/orange vintage florals.
I liked the graduation effect of the Ombre, so I decided to make up a batch of Rainbow 'graduated colours' bunting shortly after.

I had been making rainbow coloured bunting for almost two years but the Ombre Yellow Bunting inspired me to make a floral bunting 'more true' to a rainbow.
I guess the only difference to actual rainbows, I have decided to start my bunting with Pink, then Red, etc.



After some Melbourne sun this morning, it was time to photograph & list them - so here it is!
It's rather cheerful, its not just for kids!

BELOW: Here is the Ombre Yellow bunting made in early May.

You can read about it here:
http://merry-go-roundhandmade.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/vintage-floral-ombre-bunting-entered.html

And examples of my Rainbow Bunting I have been making for the last year or two.

You can find my buntings here:

www.madeit.com.au/merry-go-round
www.etsy.com/shop/MerryGoRoundHANDMADE

Babushka Russian Doll Bunting included in a blog today!

Jade from the USA has included my Babushka Doll Bunting on her blog today - 'Coffee & Cashmere'.
Loving the Babushka, Russian Doll finds!


http://www.coffeeandcashmere.com/2013/06/russian-dolls.html

Thanks Jade!


I love Babushka Russian Dolls.
I guess it started when I was given a genuine Russian Wooden Nesting Doll as a gift from a work colleague about 7-8 years ago. His wife was from Russia, (it was brought back after a visit to Russia).

Since starting to make handmade items, I have made Russian Doll bunting, 'Taggy Snuggly's' (Taggies) & Aprons.
I also have many different babushka fabrics I have collected but not used yet such as the Out of Print by 'Shamash and Sons' Russian Doll fabric.

I guess I'm waiting for the 'right' project.

You could say I'm slightly obsessed!
Since having two girls, they love Russian Dolls too, so they are a favourite in our house.

You can find my Babushka Russian Doll Bunting here:

www.madeit.com.au/merry-go-round
www.etsy.com/shop/MerryGoRoundHANDMADE

BELOW
One of my favorite Babushka Fabrics 'by Shamash and Sons' I have not used yet.
Out of Print & Extremly Hard to Find (oh... and NOT for sale)

Vintage Floral 'Ombre' Bunting : Entered into the Shop Contemporary Handmade 'Make it Work Challenge'.

Vintage Floral 'Ombre' Bunting :

I have just entered my Metro Retro Apron - 'Grand Prix Racing' Tea Towel MENS Apron into the Shop Contemporary Handmade 'Make it Work Challenge'.

While I have made many vintage floral fabric buntings in the past I have never made a floral 'Ombre Bunting'.
This week over at shop contemporary handmade is the Make it Work Challenge - Week 4.

This week, designers were asked to create something 'for home' with the theme being ombre.
Ombre is the latest trend that has been sweeping the nation.

Some great entries this week.
I'm happy with the end result of  this sixteen (16) flag bunting in various 'yellow toned' vintage retro preloved fabrics and is one of a kind (OOAK).

Vote for me!

http://shopcontemporaryhandmade.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/make-it-work-challenge-week-4.html

Metro Retro MENS Apron - Grand Prix Racing : Entered into the Shop Contemporary Handmade 'Make it Work Challenge'.

I have just entered my Metro Retro Apron - 'Grand Prix Racing' Tea Towel MENS Apron into the Shop Contemporary Handmade 'Make it Work Challenge'.

Actually I have never made a 'mens' apron before but I thought I'd give it a go.
This week over at shop contemporary handmade is the Make it Work Challenge - Week 3.

This week designers were asked to create something 'for him' with the theme being upcycled or recycled.

Well, there are many great entries this week.
No, I do not expect to win. It's just simply fun to join in with the submissions ... but for me it's great to get some exposure for my brand.
I'm loving all the colour in this apron, really cheerful & vibrant - you certainly would not go unnoticed in this one! And... it's super cute!
Vrrrmmmm Vrrrmmmm ;)

This item:

MENS 'Metro Retro' Tea Towel Apron by Merry-Go-Round Handmade -

'Grand Prix Racing' uses vintage (new condition) linen tea towel, vintage cotton panels & vintage cotton straps.

Our aprons are fun & funky. Expect the unexpected! Vintage, retro design with modern & practical use. Each one is unique and one of a kind - just like you! One size fits most. Each apron is never to be repeated, never to be exactly the same as another. All of my aprons are handcrafted originals and unique. The ideal handmade gift for someone special or for spoiling yourself.

We were featured in a few Etsy Treasuries & MadeIt front pages recently!

It was wonderful to be featured in on a few online store, front pages such as Etsy & Madeit.

On the 8th of April we made front page on the madeit.com.au website with my 'Metro Retro Folk Art APRON', along with many other great Mother's Day finds.
❀ On that day the madeit.com.au theme was 'Gift Ideas for the Domestic Goddess Mum'.

On the 9th of April My Girls 'Pink Beanie with Blue Flowers' was in an Etsy treasury that has made front page.
It's called Blue and Pink'.
Thanks to Kerri-Anne Anderson from 'kerrianneanderson' (Etsy store), in ACT, Australia.
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTQ2NTQyMjJ8MjcyNDI1MDk1MA/blue-and-pink

 

Girls Retro Handmade Pink Knitted Wool Beanie Hat with Blue Flowers


On the 11th of April we made front page on the madeit.com.au website with our 'Ladies Wool Beanie with Flower', along with many other great Mother's Day finds.
❀ On that day the madeit.com.au theme was 'Winter Mother's Day Gift Ideas'.

Womens / Ladies Pink Knitted Wool Beanie Hat : Flower & Buttons

On the 15th of April, my 'Vintage Pink/Orange Bunting' was in an Etsy treasury that has made front page.
It's called 'cute as a ...'.
Thanks to Alison Machin from 'FoilingStar' (Etsy store), in SA, Australia.
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTUyNTI0ODB8MjcyNDI3NDQ3Mg/cute-as-a

 

Vintage Retro Pink / Peach & Lace, Floral Flag Bunting

www.madeit.com.au/merry-go-round

 

www.etsy.com/people/MerryGoRoundHANDMADE

Our vintage pastel floral wedding bunting featured in a blog!

My Vintage pastel bunting was featured in a blog this week. The blog entry 'inspiration board' named 'Welcoming Spring' by ceferinasweet

Shannon from Florida USA is celebrating Spring.....  and what she loves is, a vintage flower themed party.
Don't we all!

She has found some sweet ideas and some lovely items to style garden tea parties, bridal showers or bridal brunches... or any occasion you like!

thanks Shannon 


http://ceferinasweet.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/welcoming-spring/

Here is a 'close up' of my bunting, available from my Etsy store:

Vintage Retro Pretty Pastel & Ivory / White Multi-Colour Floral Flag Bunting. Parties, Party, Wedding etc