Cathie's Creations

Retro Vintage - the de- clutter - a - thon - fabrics, buttons, zips, bias etc etc

2011-01-06T22:49:00.000-08:00

My goal for 2011 was to make some more room in my little house, and to do so I just have to declutter the sewing room. So, after careful contemplation I have decided that it is time to say goodbye to all the lovely (and sometimes hideous) vintage retro reclaimed stuff.

So, I have spent one whole day this week sorting, measuring, photographing, packaging and listing my button collection. See www.craftumi.com.au/MakingRoom4U2 for all of the listings, but just one or two photos now to whet your appetite.

Alright, so 5 photo's - how can you choose? they are all so gorgeous!

Now - FABRIC! Sandra came yesterday and helped me through the process of measuring, photographing, identifying and folding just a portion of the fabrics from Evelyn's estate. No disrespect intended to the dear lady, but she was definately the one who died with the most fabric - so she WON! I want Evelyn (Dessy) to retain her title and it not be passed on to me, so I have decided to try to sell off a good deal of what is here.

I need to make room in my home and life for the growing Cathie's Creations business, and I have a goal of buying a new sewing machine. So I have stuck and image of the sewing machine on the wall above my computer and have written on it "YOU WILL BE MINE" and I hope it will give me some purpose.

So, there is around 230 metres of Vintage Retro Fabric. Unbelievable. That is no where near what I collected 3 years ago when Evelyn passed away, because a lot of it went to Vanuatu and was used by the women in the village and girls in the school. Anyway, if I can sell this lot off, it should put me a little further ahead in the sewing machine fund.

I have started to call some vintage retro dealers and antique dealers to make inquiries about selling the whole lot, but I think I will pop it onto Craftumi and perhaps even eBay, and see how I go. Working out the pricings is going to be a nightmare, but will just start and see how it goes.

Here are some photos of my crazy, eclectic Vintage Retro Fabrics:

Well, it is now 4.30 pm on Friday afternoon. The first week of 2011, is coming to an end. Wow, it has been hugely productive for me. Now, i just have to whip out to the shops and get some food, and I'll be back to do some more listings this evening.

Ciao for now

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I think I have rated at the top of the worst bloggers in the world for 2010, but as I am trying very hard to get life back on track in 2011, I am really going to try harder to keep you upto date more regularly with my creations.

So I am finally settled into my new abode, and currently decluttering in the sewing room, among other spaces. Have decided it is time to focus my attention on the craft that I love the most - sewing, so I am saying goodbye to beads, scrapbooking stuff, and loads and loads of my vintage retro fabrics and notions - acquired from a deceased estate 2 years ago, and still taking up too much space. I know, quite realistically now, that I will probably never get to use most of it, so I have decided to sell a bunch of it off and use the money to reinvest into my Cathie's Creations endeavours.

To that end, I have begun to set up a store on www.craftumi.com.au. Here I will list and hopefully sell, prolific amounts!!! I will update you when I open the store, but for now, I am tackling the technology and attempting to get things ready and listed. The store name is "Making Room 4 U 2". Keep an eye out for it.

I am also going to start to list some items in my www.madeit.com.au store. Cathie's Creations is the store name and I will be listing a number of my market items their.

I have also set up a Facebook page called Cathies Creations (deliberate loss of the apostrophy) and will try to use that as another avenue to keep people informed of the growth of my hobby come business. here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cathies-Creations/133442383344643

July to December 2010 was a very success start for Cathie's Creations. I really enjoyed "The Handmade Expo" and just love to get there and chat to people and show off my gorgeous creations. So many wonderful people have complimented me on the fine work I produce and based on my tremendous sales for the 6 months, I really believe them now. I have started going to the Cleveland Farmer's Market on Sundays now. Not sure if I will be able to sustain every Sunday, but I am at least going to do January and Febuary and then re-assess. Based on the first two markets (today and 19 December), I feel it could be a really good way forward. I will also take up opportunities to do other markets around and about town, as they arise, and will certainly keep you posted here.

Most importantly of all Cathie's Creations has been a fantastic avenue for me to express my creativity and has been a very healing and restorative experience. The end of 2009 and start of 2010, was spattered with a few traumatic life events and let's just say, that my sewing and creating, have had an enormous therapeautic effect, realigning mind, body, soul and spirit.

My thanks to all of my family for their tremendous support in 2010. You know what you have done, and I thank you most sincerely for all of it. Special thanks to Mum and Dad and Kevin and Reg, who took me into their homes and cared for me in some pretty crappy times. I dread to think where I would be today, if it were not for your hospitality, generosity and love. Also a big thank you to my dearest friends, who have also supported, encouraged and inspired me (not to mention a good deal of caffiene shared too). I don't normally single people out, but a BIG BIG THANK YOU to my dear friend Denise who accompanies me almost every time I go to the markets. That is a lot of early starts, and Denise, I am so so thankful for your company every time at the markets and on all the other outings as well.

Now, I had better get to bed and restore the creative juices for tomorrow. I was going to pop some photos of my new designer bibs on, but will need to wait for better light to take the photos. Will do so in a few days.

Cheers for now .... watch this space in 2011 ... I promise you that Cathie's Creations is going to grow like crazy!!!

Crazy times

2010-10-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

I have been a little crazy of late, and have moved through 3 different housesits or places to crash, since my last post. Finally I am moving into my own pad again. I have found a great place to live and will even have a dedicated SEWING ROOM / CREATIVE STUDIO. I will have plenty of time and space there to make more frequent posts on my blog, and to really get this whole Cathie's Creations thing buzzing - my dream come true.

I have managed to do a little bit of sewing and creating lately, so here are a few pics:

A gorgeous wedding gift for two very special people....

a baby quilt - perhaps for a new niece

A birthday gift for my nephew

Fab new bright coloured coffee cup holders:

And simply stunning spotty head bands:

And a new range of notebook covers in A6 Size. Also in black cord fabric with bright strips, and tan colour for those who are not so into making a bright statement!

I have been busy getting ready to list my items on Madeit.com.au. Have almost finished the photography editing and writing up of the listings. Just one more long night at the computer and I think that it will be all up and going. I have created a storefront called "Cathie's Creations" and will post a link as soon as it is up and going. Watch this space.

Okay so now it is back to the business of moving and unpacking. I am so excited to find my treasured possessions that have been hinding deep within the shipping container for over 9 months.

Ciao for now

To Market to Market ......

2010-08-30T05:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how time passes so quickly.

I have now done 2 months of markets since my last post.

Here are a couple of pics of the Cathie's Creations Stall all set up and trading.....

Handmade Expo - July

Bribie Arts and Crafts Market - July

Bribie Arts and Crafts - August

I have been doing quite well at the markets and really enjoying being out there and meeting people, especially the ones who really appreciate my work. I also had the chance to show off my wares at Cleveland Manor at a little afternoon tea recently. Thanks to Mum for getting that one lined up for me. I am hoping to do a display and sale at Wellington Manor in a few weeks and then I might get around to a few other retirement villages. Nice to take the market to those who are not so mobile. The orders have also started to flow in now through the markets as well as family and friends. These are some of my creations from the last few weeks:

A selection of Library Bags in great bright colours with really funky appliques.

Gracie's Library Bag with gorgeous fairy applique

- this photo was taken before she had her face and wand stitched on and also the centres of her hair flowers. I forgot to take a photo of the finished item before Laraine collected it.

I have started a range of Personalised Pillowcases which are proving to be very popular. These are a few that I have already finished, as well as some sample fabrics for those to come. I am going to focus on doing the more subtle but stunning ginghams, as well as really bright spots, stripes and stars.

Gingham pillowcases and gingham colour range

Bright spots, stripes and stars colour range

I will post some samples of the brights range when they are underway.

My two best sellers at the markets would have to be the Coffee Cup Holder and the headbands. Unfortunately I don't have any photos of these to show you unless you look really closely at the market stall photos. Will take a few in the next week or so and post them.

The cup holder wraps neatly around the medium and large takeaway coffee cups, so you don't burn your hand. It also keeps the coffee a bit hotter for longer. So far there I have sold about 50 cup holders, and have even sent 3 to the USA with my Auntie Mel.

The headbands are just beautiful for the little and not so little girls and I am told they are super comfy and don't dig in behind your ears or give you a headache. I have made a great range of pretty colours and have had requests for school colours. They will be under construction in the next few weeks / months.

Anyway, I think I can hear my sewing machine calling me, or maybe it is my bed, so I will sign off for now. I will try to give you more regular news in the coming months. I just haven't been able to tear myself away for the sewing machine to sit at the computer!!!!

Back to creating ....... bye for now ....

Bibs and Bags

2010-07-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Life has been a little busy lately and I have been on the move with housesitting. The sewing goes on inspite of all of the moving and creating happens. Fortunately I have found houses with huge dining tables, so have turned them into 'sewing rooms' or as my family would say, 'sweat shops'.

I have finally gotten myself organised to start selling some of the Cathies Creations products and will be attending "The Handmade Expo" at Ipswich for their next 3 markets. I will be there on the 17th July, 21st August, 18th September. The Handmade Expo is a large HANDMADE ONLY market. With up to 100 stalls on offer and now including GOURMET FRESH. The market runs from 8am - 2pm at the Ipswich Turf Club, Brisbane Road, Bundamba. There is FREE ENTRY & PARKING. Check out the blog at http://thehandmadeexpo.blogspot.com/

I have also been accepted as a member of the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, and I am going to meet with their gallery and market committee this week with a portfolio of my work. I will be able to have a market stall at their "Arts & Craft Market" which is held on the 4th Sunday of each month from 8.30am to 12.30pm. The centre is at 191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach, Bribie Island. There website is www.bicas.org.au. It is worth a outing to Bribie to check out the Gallery and the markets. they are small but there is some gorgeous work and all very reasonably priced.

So, here are some of my latest creations. I absolutely love these bibs, and everyone who has seen them thinks they are gorgeous.

Strawberry and Watermelon

Kitty and Teddy

Crab and Turtle

Pear and Apple

Rose and Flower

All of the bibs are $15 each (plus postage) - or see me at the markets!

I still have a few more to create, so watch this space for a Giraffe, Gator, Lady Bug, Bumble Bee, and Beetle, and when they're all made, I might just make some plain ones for the less adventurous babes out there.

Cathies Creations has gone crazy for bags this week, or some may say I have gone a bit 'strip happy'. I finally bought out the Jelly Roll box and realised that I can't just look at them and drool over them forever. So the day has come and I have started to sew with them. These bags are all made out of Moda Jelly Rolls. Thus far I have used "Hello Betty" and "Essence", but there are another 6 or more in the box, so more to come, perhaps not all will become bags. I am thinking of table runners too.

Medium size "Hello Betty" bags.

Fabric 100% Cotton "Moda Hello Betty collection"

Size: 27cm long X 22 cm deep x 11 cm wide

Handles from top to bag approx 30 cm.

Fully lined in cream 100% cotton with 2 internal pockets

Cost: $50 each (plus postage

Medium size "Essence" Bags

Fabric 100% cotton "Moda Essence by Sandy Gervais"

Size: 27cm long X 22 cm deep x 11 cm wide

Handles from top to bag approx 30 cm.

Fully lined in cream 100% cotton with 2 internal pockets

Cost: $50 (plus postage)

Small "Hello Betty" Strip Bag

Fabric 100% Cotton "Moda Hello Betty collection"

Size: 22cm long X 25.5 cm deep x 5 cm wide

Handle from top to bag approx 30 cm.

Fully lined in cream 100% cotton

Cost: $35 each (plus postage)

Large "Hello Betty" Strip Bag

Fabric 100% Cotton "Moda Hello Betty collection"

Size: 36cm long X 32 cm deep x 20 cm wide

Handles from top to bag approx 30 cm.

Fully lined in cream 100% cotton with 2 internal pockets

Cost: $70 each (plus postage)

And here are the latest library bag orders, made and ready to send.

Personalised Chidrens Library Bag

1. Choose an outside colour (I choose a lining to match)

2. Your Child's name (first name only or first and last name)

3. Choose a simple applique or tell me your child's favourite and I will find one to suit.

These bags are fully lined and padded with quilt batting to protect the library books. 100% cotton fabrics. Fully machine washable, but will need a quick iron.

Size: 40 cm deep X 36 cm wide

Made to order - approx 2 weeks to delivery (depending on current orders)

Cost: $50 (plus postage)

Extra Options:

These bags have also been purchased as kindy sheet bags

and then used later for library bags.

I can make the sheets for an extra $20.

Water repellant lining makes them great for swimming bags

(NB: water repellant not water proof).

This lining adds $5 to the cost.

Okay, so it is back to the sewing machine. Hope you have enjoyed seeing my latest creations. If you are interested in purchasing anything, drop me an email at cathiescreations@me.com . I look forward to giving you the next installment.

More New Creations

2010-05-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Last night, I wrote myself a TO DO LIST for this week.

By dinner time tonight I had crossed off more than half of my projects as complete.

Thus, I have had a very productive day and a super start to the week.

I have finished embellishing the last of my cards, sewn buttons and button holes for the kids art folios, and sewn up all of the wall hangings that you will find below.

I even had time to help my nieces create lovely collages out of scraps of fabric the picked up from my feet. I will make creative artists out of them too.

I have had quite a few people express interest in purchasing some of my creations.

Firstly thanks for taking the time to look at my blog,

and secondly, I am so excited that you like what you see here.

For anyone who is interested I am now going to pop some prices in as I blog

(and have edited in prices into the older blogs).

This is what I will be selling these items for if they make it to the markets.

All prices are in Australian Dollars.

I am happy to post items anywhere in Australia, and internationally,

so feel free to email me for a postage price.

Some items I can make to order, for example, the Library bags. The original designs (Isabelle, Alexander and Isaac in the sewing blog) were extremely time consuming and frustrating to make, so I have refined the process a lot in the past 5 years. Below are photos of 2 more recent Library Bag. I charge $50 each for the bags, personalised and with one applique or pocket. They are fully lined and have strong handles. If you really want a quilted bag, I will make to order but they will cost extra. I also have a range of simple, lined drawstring library bags, if you are interested in them (they start at $15 and are not personalised).

Personalised Library Bags $50 each

EMBROIDERIES

After returning to Australia in January with my broken ankle I stayed with my folks for 9 weeks. Still in plaster, and recovering from surgery, I was not able to use the sewing machine,

so I hand stitched and produced a lot of embroideries.

Life has been pretty tumultuous for me since about September 2009, or maybe even longer, so this time of recovery has offered me ample opportunity to explore somewhat the deeper levels of myself and to dream dreams for the future. I am a real believer in using the creative arts as therapy and particularly fabric art. There is nothing like putting needle and thread together to help you think and process all those feelings that are rushing through you as you recover from an illness or injury. I find stitching so meditative and reflective and for me, every stitch becomes a little prayer for the person, place, or event I am thinking about at the time.

So four months on and this week I have finally added borders, backing, binding and hanging sleeves, so here I have some lovely wall hangings. I really wanted to finish these so I could move on to another project. I hate having things half finished.

"Welcome My Friend" by Melly and Me ($40)

Fresh Eggs and Chook Chook Chook ($30 each)

would be a wonderful edition to a country kitchen.

These blue and white embroideries are from a block of the month

by Melly and Me called "Love Is..."

I stitched the complete 9 block wall hanging in red and white about 12 months ago.

These I have made up as individual wall hangings.

They are approximately 30cm (12 inch) square.

"Love your neighbour as yourself" ($30)

"Love is ... Angels watching over me" ($30)

"Love is ... tea for two with you!" ($30)

"Love is ...the gift of flowers" ($30)

Kokeshi Dolls ($50)

The Kokeshi Wall hanging came out of the Melly and Me "Kaleidoscope" Book.

I absolutely adore this one and thinK the border fabric is so perfect for the embroidery.

This one is the largest of all at approx 35 X 50 cm. ($50)

Pastel Babuskas ($40)

I have a bit of an obsession with Babuska dolls. I have my own set of dolls that have 10 dolls in total. The largest doll is about 30cm high and the smallest is about the size of a grain of rice. I have used it for years as a retreat tool, helping to explain to young people about the layers of the self, what the world sees, being the outer/largest doll and the smallest being that which only God knows intimately.

I searched and searched for a pattern for this one and when I couldn't find one that I liked, I just drew it myself. I love how it turned out and can't believe how extraordinarily different they each look. The pastel one with baby pink gingham borders and binding would look so perfect in a baby girls room, while the bright one would look great anywhere - maybe even on a wall in my house, if no one snaps it up.

Bright Babuskas ($30)

I am going to sell all of these wall hangings for between $30 and $50 each,

so if there is one that takes your fancy now, say so and it is yours.

There are only one of each and I am unlikely to produce anymore,

well at least not in this quantity.

I still have about 15 more to sew up some time in the future.

More A5 Journal covers with beautiful big buttons and elastic for closure.

I now have 30 journal covers for sale.

These are $25 each with a lined journal included.

Please email me if you are interested in these or any other of my creations

at cathie.stone@hotmail.com

Wow, time flies. I just realised it is almost 1 am and tomorrow will not be nearly as productive if I stay up any longer. So goodnight and sweet dreams.

God Bless

Cathie's Newest Creations

2010-05-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Journal Covers

Each journal cover contains a 200 leaf Spirax A5 notebook.

The white journals are made with waffle weave fabric.

This last photo shows the journal covers that close with beautiful ribbons.

The ones with buttons are currently under construction.

Will post photos of them in the next day or so....

A5 Journal Covers are $25 each.

A6 Journal Covers are $20 each.

(These prices includes the lined, hardcover journal)

Hairclips

(for little girls and big girls who are always little girls at heart)

Yo Yo's and Button Clips

I have packaged and I am selling these individually,

but many have a buddy, so you can buy a pair.

The price is $3 each or 2 for $5

(two can be a pair or 2 different clips)

and Buttons Clips ....

all of these are one off creations.

I am selling them individually

as it is difficult to match up buttons to make pairs.

(Button Hair Clips are $3 each or 2 for $5)

Children's Art Folios

These deligthful art folios are A5 size and in gorgeous prints for children.

Comes complete with 12 coloured pencils or crayons and an A5 notepad.

great for taking on outings and encouraging the budding creative talent of your little artist.

(Children's Art Folios $20 each including pencils and notepad)

(I haven't found the right buttons yet, but these art folios will have a nice big button - great practice for children as they learn to button there own clothing)

So, what's next in the creation station. I'm thinking I might make some bags and purses this week. A little something for the both the big girls and little girls. As I am currently living with my 3 and 4 year old neices, they are constantly inspiring me to dream up new ideas and creations. They are bag lovers, just as their Auntie is, so I am feeling inspired.

I'm also thinking I might venture into some softies soon. I have been collecting Melly and Me patterns, and I bought their Kaleidoscope book at last years Quilt and Craft fair and I have only managed the time to make one thus far - Bella Boo.

Oh, I just remembered I have a pile of embroideries that I stitched while I was in plaster and unable to operate the sewing machine so I had best get back to them and make them up into wall hangings. And, I really need to finish my Mums Mother's Day gift. It kinda got shelved when the plaster came off and I got back onto the sewing machine pedal. Oh, and then there is a birthday present for Emmeline who turned one in December, but that one was delayed by a trip to Vanuatu and then a broken ankle. I had better get it done before she turns two. Think it might be Bubbles the unicorn for her, or Phoebe the elephant - or both - maybe I can make one for one and one for two, ah ha, now there is a plan.

For now, I had best get some beauty sleep. There is certain to be some sewing time tomorrow! Yippee! That is, of course, if Kevin doesn't put me on the ride on mower for a few hours and there is the small matter of some physio in the pool ... which I admit, I have been avoiding.

Okay, night night for now....

Sewing

2010-05-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

I started sewing when I was very young. My mother was always sewing and I used to collect her material scraps and make clothes for my barbie dolls. I remember sitting on my bed with a pile of material scraps and a needle and thread, making tiny little pants. They weren't so tiny back then, but I when my parents moved house recently Mum gave me some of them back. I was amazed at how small they were, but even more amazed at my stitching and how they had held together for so many years, especially considering the number of costume changes my dolls used to have.

In high school I took Home Economics as a subject from Year 8 to 12. I didn't really care much for the cooking part of the subject, and to be honest I don't care much for it these days either. But the sewing and design and textile part, well, I was in heaven. I couldn't have cared less about the rest of school, I was most at home when I was in sewing class. In Year 11 our project was to make a lined skirt with a zip and waist band. My teacher called me back after class and told me that I would have that finished in a few days and she would hope that I would choose a more challenging project. So, I made my formal dress. It was lined, had a zip and the bodice and skirt were joined - fulfilling all of the required components for the task. I loved it and wore it very proudly the following year.

Although I have sewn alot of clothes over the years, these days I prefer my sewing to be about other things. I particularly enjoy creating useful things for my neicesand nephews, like library bags, kindy sheet sets, toy bags, blankies, wall hangings and now, quilts.

I guess sewing, patchwork and quilting are my thing and and really doesn't matter what it is, I just love creating stuff.

About 2 years ago, I scored miles and miles of fabric from a deceased estate. There were the mostly vintage and retro fabrics. Some of the bags even had receipts in them from the 1970's and 1980's. I have made a few things out of these fabrics, and I have taken about 20 kg of fabric over to Vanuatu and used them while teaching in the St Michel School and village. I have also given some away and sold some. I now have half a dozen huge boxes stored in my shipping container, just waiting for the day that they will be lucky enough to be created into something magnificant.

Here are some images of the things I have created for the children:

And some of the items I have created and sold at the markets:

Lavender and Camphor Laurel Bags ($5 each)

Christmas Swag ($25)

Christmas Tree ($35)

Christmas Wreath

(Price varies depending on size - $15 to $35)

"All hearts come home for Christmas"

Handstitched, Felt Heart, Christmas Decoration ($30)

Quilts

2010-05-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

I made my first quilt when I was in Year 11. It was a quillo and I chose dusky pink and blue florals in Liberty fabrics to make it in. I remember taking myself to Gardems in Brisbane City on the way home from school one day and buying all the fabric. When I got home that night I spread it out on my desk and smelt it, felt it, and totally absorbed it. I think this was when I fell in love with fabric.

I cruised through the making of my quillo and then helped everyone else in the class to finish theirs. I just seemed to get it while the others struggled.

Apart from a few small quilts that I made in my early 20's it really wasn't until I was in my late 20's and living in the Southern Highlands of NSW that I really discovered the length and breadth of the art of quilting. Then in my early 30's, and with an income to support the habit, I really discovered the joy and peace that making quilts bought into my life. I have been quilting avidly ever since.

For me, quilts bring it all together. Designing and making quilts enables me to realign body and soul. It also allows me to go deeply into my spirit and nurture and refresh my interior world. I have Depression and and Anxiety disorder and when I was at my worst, I could not bring myself to sew or quilt or even think about creating. I knew I was on the path to recovery when I started to put together a quilt. Now I know when I am sliding into a depressive stage, because I just can't face fabric. So, I now use my creativity and love of all things fabric as my therapy.

Here are some of the images of my quilts.

A Family Tree Quilt I made for my Auntie Melanie's 50th Birthday. The names of all of our family members are on the leaves of the tree.

This is my own quilt. "My Lavender Quilt". I collected the fabrics in fat quarters for 3 years before I even started cutting. I used Rosalie Quinlins 'Rebekah's Amy Quilt' and adapted it to queen size.

I made this Reversible Log Cabin Quilt-as-you-go for my parents. This is actually the only quilting class I have ever done (apart from high school!). It is probably my best ever ... I love it, and luckly my folks do too.

The Summer Side

The Winter Side

I called this one "Brighter Days". I made this one for my friend who was having weekly chemo. The quilt folded up into the bag and the big pockets held a book, purse, glasses etc, when Sue went to the hospital for the day.

Getting Started

2010-05-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here goes. I have been thinking about blogging for such a long time and today is the day. I wanted to find a way to share some of my creations with the world ... and let's hope that this is it.

Watch this space because I am hoping that in the coming weeks, months and years I will be able take you somewhere special - into my creative world.

See you soon