Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Oilcloth Doorstops

Well, i did make some doorstops in this lovely fabric, and here they are, this is Hibiscus and you can just mop right around it. It has a jute handle which i find works well with the doorstops.

Luckily i took some pics in time, they have now been accosted by my daughter and her flat mate, they just walk right in and say, "oh these look good, i need one or two maybe, can i take these to save me waiting for you to make me some" . What can you say. Its nice to know that you are appreciated sometimes.

Well, i shall have some in my store for a while.

I will now get on and photo all the other lovely things i have made this week. I have had a sewing sort of week.






Red Lace Mexican Oilcloth Doorstop, in a pyramid shape.

I have been asked if I do ship to the US. Yes i do and everywhere else quite regularly, the doostops ship for a flat rate of AUD$8.50 anywhere. Australia free shipping.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Kitch Mexican Oilcloth - how tasty is this retro design


This is so retro, Mexican Oilcloth ~ a lighter weight oilcloth than the usual, (which is usually cotton or cotton duck which has been laminated with pvc , so thicker) The ink is printed onto the first coat of Pvc, not onto the backing, this is then coated with a clear layer of Pvc, making it stain resitant and waterproof. The composition is 91% PVC AND 9% cotton and polyester.

The fabulous blue background and orange/pink hibiscus is just so yummy. I also have in my store the red lace Mexican Oilcloth too.

As I am on my never ending mission for oilcloth, im going to make a doorstopper in this, for an outside door I have that bangs around a lot, if it turns out well then I shall take a photo and post it here.

Monday, March 2, 2009

New Oilcloth Arrivals in Store


We have added some more beautiful new designs to our oilcloth pvc collection from Red Plum Linen this week, these are so beautifully soft and supple and very easy to sew with. Petitte Rose, Confetti Pink and English Rose. Available from 1/4 metre upwards. which is great for a childrens painting or cooking apron, doorstop or small craft project.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Beautiful Sprout Design Wall Art for Children


These are just the most cutest of critters, giant caterpillars and bright red tortoises. Also availabe as wall art are the elephants and giraffes. All available in my store now. Now that im back full time as blog writer and store owner, I shall be adding lots more lovely pics of these as i make them.

Wall art has become a very popular way of adding colour to rooms, without too much expense, and can change a way the room looks with just a few pics and scatter cushions.

The fabric is available also by the 1/4 metre, so if you feel creative enough, have a go.

More soon...

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Oilcloth Easy to Sew








Oilcloth is very easy cloth to sew, less hems are required and if you are like me and want it finished in a hurry, this is the ideal fabric to use. Above are some pictures of some quick items to sew. A doorstop, 1 fat quarter if plenty for this oilcloth doorstop. The childrens apron uses a fat quater too, with some lovely grossgrain ribbons for ties, great just to wipe clean after a cake making session.
The gift tags well, they are from offcuts of oilcloth, too lovely to throw away, so i made these up with a card backing and sticking the oilcloth with some pva glue and a grossgrain tie to finish off.

Happy sewing

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Oilcloth pvc ~ What it is ~ Tips on Sewing Oilcloth



Oilcloth pvc ~ what is it?
Oilcoth is a specially treated fabric which has been waterproofed. Originally, oilcloth was made from oil impregnated canvas, leading to the name OILCLOTH, now it is in fact used in the modern sense to refer to cotton backed with a vinyl material which is waterproof and can easily be wiped clean.

The origin for Oilcloth can be found in sail making, as the original oilcloth was made from canvas and used by fishermen and sailors. the canvas material could be coated in oils, waxes and clays to make it waterproof and then used to wrap valuable materials for long sea journeys making them weather resistant. The colours would have been very limited back in those days as it was designed for function and not beauty.

Today, however Oilcloth comes in a variety of thickness and wonderful colours, with many more uses, Oilcoth can be used today in many ways including coverings for tables, chairs and pantry shelves, as well as outdoor cushions, covers for outdoor furniture, bags, totes, doorstops, and aprons, bunting decorations and much more.

Tips on How to sew Oilcloth Fabric ~
Oilcloth is relatively easy to sew, a teflon foot can be used in your sewing maching, making the friction less and the fabric will glide easily.

I personally use Silcon spray, i lightly spray the foot plate of the sewing machine and the pvc side of the oilcloth, eliminating any friction, thats all there is to it. It slides beautifully.
Have a practise first, you'll be amazed how easy it is.

If you dont need a hem for example on a tablecloth, I cut along the length with my pinking scissors (zig zag scissors) just for a nice finish.

I have a selection of oilcloth pvc in my store from designers Red Plum Linen and Cath Kidston available by the metre and 1/4 metre.

Happy sewing

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Fabric sale Fabric Sale

I have that spring feeling, for spring cleaning and clearing out cupboards and shelves, sorting out fabrics and having a bit of a sale. A bit like moley from "The Wind in The Willows" white washing the walls and then breaking free to enjoy the sunshine.

After realising that this feeling comes from when i lived in the northern hemisphere, and everyone looked forward to spring and daffodils and sunshine after Christmas, but not here in Australia, Autumn and winter are next before spring, but it must be an inbuilt thing in my body clock. So i will forget about Autumn and think Spring instead!!

Anyway, ive added some more to my fabric sale in my store this week, as im having an "Autumn clean" so take a peek. Most designs are just remnants, there is some meterage, so check the availability. Happy shopping.

Oh and please let me know if you have that Spring Feeling too, id love to hear from - or is it just me!!

Have a great day,

Susie