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.May Cool Shops! Traplet.

 

Today I am happy to introduce you to a lovely sewing magazine bought to you by Traplet Publications

Traplet is a UK-based company that published a great range of magazines, including four crafting magazines – Sewing World, British Patchwork and Quilter, Craft Stamper and Beads and Beyond.
I wasn’t familiar with the Sewing World magazine, so was looking forward to receiving a few copies in the mail to review.

The magazine did not disappoint.  Sewing World is a monthly sewing magazine full of fantastic sewing patterns and lots of sewing-related info to read. 

Not only does Sewing World include easy, step-by-step sewing patterns they are also jam packed full of lots of information, tips and tricks to help you become a more confident sewer.
Articles such as sewing the right style to suit your body type:

Instructional sections teaching you different techniques such as how to sew sleeves into a garment:

If you are interested in crafts other than sewing, you might like to take a look at some of the other great crafting magazines brought to you by Traplet.
Craft Stamper:

 British Patchwork & Quilting:

Beads & Beyond:

Traplet is offering a 3 month trial subscription to Sewing World for the discounted price of 10.99 Pounds (approx AUD$17).
To redeem this great offer, simply call the Traplet Customer Order Line and quote the code MIPSW11.
Australia – 02) 9520 0933
UK – 44 1684 588599
(Offer runs from 17th May – 30th June).

If you would like to keep up to date about regular offers and discounts, you can also sign up for the Traplet email newsletter at the top of their homepage.

Important Traplet Links:
May 17, 2011
Other

.May Cool Shops! Sweet Birdie Blue.

Hello to our newest Cool Shop, Sweet Birdie Blue!
Sweet Birdie Blue is a bright and cheerful store full of funky, 1970’s-inspired handmade clothing and accessories.  If you’re into retro, you’ll love everything at Sweet Birdie Blue.  
The lovely Trace sent us one of her 1970s Rainbow Ponchos for review.  It is super soft and warm and bright enough to cheer up cloudy winter days!

 

At Sweet Birdie Blue you’ll find a eclectic range of unique clothing for your little girl.  
The My Deer Dress features vintage patchwork, tie dyed tops, a bit of crochet and some applique.

The Sweet Birdie Blue Custom Photo Keepsake Dress gives you the option of having any photograph printed onto the skirt of this cute peasant-style dress.

 

Here’s another cute poncho…Bubba 1970s:

Trace creates some beautiful crocheted jewellery also, such as this Roses and Butterfly Necklace:

 The Blue Bayou Headband:

And the very pretty Springtime in the Daisy Field Necklace:

Make It Perfect readers can save 10% on all orders from Sweet Birdie Blue’s Etsy store with free postage within Australia!
(10% off ends 16th June.  Use discount code “makeitperfect”.  Free postage excludes crochet ponchos and blankets.)

Important Sweet Birdie Blue Links
May 17, 2011
Other

.May Cool Shops! Two Little Aussie Birds.

 
Welcome to our newest Cool Shop! – Two Little Aussie Birds…
Two Little Aussie Birds is a lovely online sewing pattern shop based in Canberra, Australia.  Owned by Crystal, she is always on the lookout for new patterns and offers them at great prices in one convenient location.
I was smitten by the range of embroidery patterns by Penguin & Fish and have been having fun with “F” Fox and “L” Lion.

 It’s actually been a long time since I sat down and tried my hand at a bit of embroidery and found it very relaxing.  I’m not sure what Mr Fox is going to end up on – either in the hoop as a bit of wall art or perhaps on a bag, t-shirt or skirt for a special little fox-loving girl I know.

Two Little Aussie Birds stocks a large range of sewing patterns from both Australian and overseas designers.
Melly & Me:

 Make It Perfect:

 Penguin & Fish:

 The Janelle Wind Collection:

Now is the time to stock up on some of your favourite patterns – Two Little Aussie Birds is offering 10% off storewide for the month of May!
(Offer ends 31st May, use code “PERFECT” during checkout.)

Thanks Crystal – just in time for some winter sewing!

Important Two Little Aussie Birds Links:
Blog  
May 3, 2011
Other

.April Cool Shops! Cookies and Cream Crafts.

 

Welcome to the next Cool Shops edition – Cookies and Cream Craft…

 
Cookies and Cream Craft is your one-stop shop for sewing patterns, books, pre-cut fabrics, Cosmo threads and nifty gadgets.  Sandy, the lovely owner of Cookies and Cream Craft is full of energy and devotes a lot of time into her store.
Sandy sent me a few of her favourite gadgets for review.  I wasn’t familiar with That Purple Thang and still haven’t had a chance to use it to it’s full capacity, but from what I’ve read online, sewers love them!  It can be used to push stuck fabric from under your needle (oh, I’ve injured myself many a time trying to do that with my finger!) as well as helping to create sharp corners and perfectly pressed seams.  It has a couple of little holes for you to thread a ribbon through and hang around your neck, but I’m wondering if it would work well to pull ribbon/cord/elastic through a casing instead of using a safety pin?
I’m sure you have seen the clever range of Clover Yo-Yo Makers before.  I have used them with great success. 
 
I have to admit, it has been awhile since I last mad a yo-yo, but sewed a few up this week…
 
And used one to decorate a simple headband for Lil.  Cute, huh?  (I made the headband from a strip of leftover fabric from my Coastal Breeze dress and just tied a knot at the base of her neck.)

 

Cookies and Cream Craft stocks a large range of Cosmo threads.  To make things even easier, you can purchase them individually, or in sets to go with some popular patterns sold in store.

I got stuck browsing through the book section – sooo many lovely reads to choose from!  As well as some very popular magazines, Australian Homespun and Vignette.

I said Sandy was a gadget girl…check out all of the clever goods she has in store.  I personally find the Sewline Fabric Glue Pen a lifesaver for small seams or times where pins get in the way, like inserting a zipper.

Cookies and Cream Craft also stocks a huge range of sewing patterns – check them out here.  And you’re going to need some lovely fabric to use with all of those patterns, magazines, books and gadgets – pick up a hassle-free fat-quarter pack or jelly roll in the pre-cut fabric section!
 

 

 

Cookies and Cream Craft has just launched their Christmas Club 2011.  Each month you will receive a brand new pattern EXCLUSIVE to Cookies and Cream Craft by a fabulous Australian designer!  What a great opportunity to get you sewing and ready for Christmas instead of leaving everything until the last minute!
 
As a special for all Make It Perfect readers, you will receive 20% off any orders placed until the 30th May!
(Use code “COOL20” to redeem, offer valid from 27th April-30th May.  Excludes postage and handling.)
 
And if that isn’t enough, when you spend $100 or more, and sign up for the Cookies and Cream Craft newsletter, you will receive a special gadget with your order!
(To receive this offer, please enter “Cool Gadget Newsletter” in the comments section at checkout. Offer valid 27th April – 30th May.)
 
Important Cookies and Cream Craft Links:
Shop
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
April 26, 2011
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.April Cool Shops! The Red Thread.

 

This week’s Cool Shop is full of character, meet The Red Thread…

 
Lisa from The Red Thread is SUPER talented.  She has a unique style all of her own – a little vintage, a little whimsical, a little arty – what ever it is, she gets it right every time!  Lisa started creating art for her family and friends which escalated into requests for commissioned art work from others.  The Red Thread is full of unique commissioned art work, home decoration pieces and, of course, the well known range of pre-printed sewing panels.
I had fun yesterday making up two Ooshka Babushka dolls, a girl and a boy.

These guys are adorable.  A perfect beginner sewer project, as well as being great a great quick sew for someone with more experience. 

The pre-printed face panels are printed on linen/cotton blend fabric and are top quality.  If you didn’t know any better you would think that each face had been individually painted on.

The Ooshka Boy and Girl Pattern Kits come with one pre-printed face panel, pattern templates and comprehensive instructions to make your very own Ooshkas – individual face panels can also be purchased so you can make more and more!  They are surprisingly big and end up being 41cm tall!!

The Red Thread Hello Birdie pillow pattern is lovely, requires a few more sewing skills to put together, but still achievable for a beginner sewer:

  
Have you seen Lisa’s Sweet Petite Kits?  They are sooooooo delightful.  After seeing the quality of the pre-printed face panels, it makes me want to make up a whole set of these ones.  Once again, an ideal project for a beginner sewer or a child to make with an adult’s assistance.
As well as all of the other cool things Lisa makes, she has a gorgeous range of timber creations.  This deer is one of my favourites – avaliable as a large decorator piece or a smaller version:
 
I also love the Birdie and Love Bubble Brooches – they would make a beautiful gift.


With such an awesome selection of products, I’m sure you have added a handful of things to your “want” list!  Luckily The Red Thread is offering all Make It Perfect readers 15% off all online orders for the next two weeks!
(15% off only valid if at least one item purchased is a sewing pattern or kit.  Offer ends Tuesday 3rd May, 2011.  Enter code “makeitperfect15” during checkout for discount to apply.)
Thanks Lisa, for sharing your beautiful creations with us!

Important The Red Thread Links:
April 19, 2011