One Day In May, Creations by Melissa Grant

A "Dream Storage Wish List" and the winners are...

Seeing as I asked everyone to share their storage ideas for fabric and other crafty things, to enter my recent giveaway...
I thought it only fair that I share a couple of my "systems" with you. I say "systems", with tongue in cheek, because it's always changing and always seems to be somewhat overflowing in an uncontrolled fashion!
Sound familiar?

I recently bought these little rings from Office Works to help organise my threads... This is by no means my original idea, but I find it really useful.

I like to group them into a colour family or thread type.
It can also be a handy way of keeping the various threads used for a project together.

A couple of months ago, I "upgraded" my stash storage, thanks to my gorgeous sister, who gave me this old chest of drawers on permanent loan. She knew I was struggling with the "boxes under the bed" system and thought this would be the perfect solution.
(I tidied one drawer for you... heheh... the others are a huge mess!)

I do love this worn piece of rustic furniture, and like to store lots of little treasures on the top.

I found this little clay, bird candle-holder at the Oxfam shop one day. He is a particular favourite.

NOW... these little storage systems of mine, don't deter me from dreaming BIG as far as storage goes.
I have a "Dream Storage Wish List" Do you?
I like to imagine that one day I will be super organised and have infinite space at my "fabric storage disposal". I'll show you a sample or two from "The List".
Be warned, you may never be satisfied with your current system again. ; ) 

This image is originally from "My Home Ideas". Now you can see that they obviously have bathroom or laundry storage in mind here... but not me!
I'm thinking fabric, batting, stabiliser, rulers, trims... you name a quilting essential, and I'm thinking that this storage system would be perfect for it!
The baskets are easily removed and can be taken straight to the sewing machine!

I am hoping to convince my husband to whip up one of these organisational beauties (shown below). You can find a tutorial for this chest conversion with Martha Stewart.
I think it is essential as an aid to my designing (she says with her convincing face on)... what with a filing system for sketches and pattern drafts, stationery hidey-holes AND and inspiration board!!
Yep it's definitely on my "dream storage" list.



This idea is from rossanaorlandi.com. I just love this look... and think I could easily talk myself into storing fabric in these upcycled cases!

But the queen of all stash "dream storage" ideas would have to be this!!
Can you believe it? Just imagine how much you could hide... I mean store, in here!
(Original image from "Storage and Glee")
Look out patchwork stores... fabric storage potential just reached a whole new level.

I found all these wonderful ideas on Pintrest. Do you pin? You can follow my boards here.

Now on to the winners!
I had a wonderful time reading all of your comments and storage methods. Thank you all for sharing your "storage systems and frustrations".
I think we all have a "dream storage wish list" somewhere.

Using the random selector found at random.org, I've selected 2 winners from the 25 entries.

Number 2 was Kirrily... WOOHOO!!

Kirrily said...
I love this pattern, I am always after lovely storage solutions for my craft room. I use alot of pretty tins, baskets and boxes at the moment. Decorated jars are great for buttons. For my cottons I use a normal 2 ring binder and I have embroidered a cover for it. I have a thing for labels and tags so there are lots of those too, but despite the containers, and labels I still tend to lose things as Ive always put it in a "safe place" that I cant remember where it was...lol.

Number 17 was Alison... YAY!!

Alison said

Love the pattern Melissa, now to the hot question of storage! My storage is in a combination of things from plastic storage draws, a cupboard, hidden under the work table actually anywhere I can find room in my small hobby corner cheers.

Kirrily and Alison will each receive a "Birds of the Meadow" pattern. Congratulations to you! I hope you both enjoy this One Day In May design.

I'll email you both shortly.

Thank you all, once again, for reading and participating in this little giveaway.

Until next time,

Melissa  x

A Wonderful Girls' Day Out in Melbourne...

This weekend, I was invited to attend a great stitch in, organised by Libby Richardson of Artsmart Craft Cottage and Jo Miller of Sew Jo Designs. And what a wonderful day it was...

Kilsyth Memorial Hall was filled to overflowing with stitching goodness...

Everyone received a bag filled with patterns and fabric. This lovely little bear created by Jo was one of the designs included.
Don't you just adore the "furry" applique? This little bear can be used in a variety of ways. I love the garland of blossom... so sweet.

The girls also received printed fabric for this lovely stitchery (shown on the right), designed by Libby, and the pattern for a lovely new Christmas design (on the left).

Most took up the opportunity to learn fabric painting with Libby, and were surprised at just how easy it is.
The extra colour brings a lovely depth of design to a stitchery... a wonderful way to enhance your projects.

There were sneak peeks to be had... of Jo's new block of the month and Libby's new Christmas projects.

Now I didn't get any photos of the delicious scones, or the heavenly lasagna or the delightful cupcakes topped with a piped tower of icing and edible glitter.
All that stitching, resulted in these gastronomic treats being gobbled up too quickly for me to record "on film". But you can imagine...

Libby and Jo also invited Embellish A Little and The Patchwork Teahouse to attend.
What's a girls' day out without a little retail therapy.

Embellish A Little had a wonderful array of ceramic, porcelain and their new wooden buttons for us to enjoy. Pop the kettle on and take a minute to visit the website to see the full range.

Marilyn brought along loads of fabric and thread treasure from The Patchwork Teahouse,
including beautiful new fabrics from Danish firm "Stoff" and
the gorgeous range "Scandinavian Christmas" by Lynette Anderson. 

Marilyn also had the full range of "One Day In May" projects on display and a full stock of patterns.
I was able to sit at a few tables and demonstrate how to create the layers of the waterlily, which was lots of fun.
I also had the pleasure of being able to meet some of my "blog readers" and facebook "followers" face to face. Really, really loved that!

Everyone seemed to have a great day... especially the winners of the many donated fabric packs, kits, pattern and button sets.
Jo's Mum also made some gorgeous pin-cushions (45 in all!!!) as a special giveaway for some very lucky stitchers. Here's Libby (on the right) drawing the winning tickets!

All in all, it was a great way to spend a Saturday... 

Until next time,

Melissa  x 

Birds Of The Meadow ~ pattern launch and a giveaway!

This week sees the launch of One Day In May's
"Birds of the Meadow ~ fabric storage boxes" pattern...
and you know what that means?

It's time for a giveaway!

Do you struggle to find ways of storing projects that you have underway?
Keep your pattern, fabrics and notions close at hand, with these unique and practical fabric boxes.

There are 2 sized boxes to create. The small box is 6½" high x 8" wide, the large box is 8½" high x 10" wide. On the back, the larger features a handy pleated pocket to hold those little notions that can be tricky to find.

The two bird panels are both suited to either size box, leaving you free to choose both the size and style of your creation. The smaller box fits inside the larger, creating a set of 2 nesting boxes. Why not create both?

The feature of "Birds of the Meadow" is of course these little applique birds... each one created with a dimensional wing and tail.

A lovely combination of dimensional appliqué, stitchery, patchwork, pleated pocket and quilting... this pattern has lots of technique variation to keep the creative process interesting and fun!

"Birds of the Meadow" comes with an A3 pattern sheet, comprehensive instructions and is overflowing with diagrams and photographic detail. If you enjoy a variety of needlework... If you like to create practical projects... then this pattern is for you.

I have 2 patterns for "Birds of the Meadow ~ fabric storage boxes" to giveaway.
Would you like one?
To enter the draw, please leave a comment on this post telling us about your best way of storing fabric, notions and other crafty bits.
Entries close midnight, 28th August, 2011 and the winners will be randomly drawn on the 29th.

Shipments of "Birds of the Meadow" are beginning to arrive at patchwork stores this week. Please refer to the One Day In May stockist list up on the left. You may not find the pattern listed on sites as yet, but you'll find these lovely stores happy to receive an email enquiry.

Until next time...

Melissa  x

Deck the Halls ~ a table runner featuring 3-dimensional holly...

It's time... I can finally show you what I've been working on!

I've had this idea for a while now... 3D fabric holly!
A few years ago, I made a holly garland with paper, beads and gold thread as a Christmas decoration. It's looking a little tattered these days, but the idea has stuck and I have been determined to create something similar with fabric.

After some sketching and pondering, I decided that I'd really like to make a wreath.

I've become really fond of the variegated, embroidered leaf-curls, used as a backdrop for the wreath, and can see them popping up again in future designs.

A wreath in a frame would be lovely all by itself, but for this project my mission was to use a range of fabrics ~ "Jovial" by Basic Grey. I also wanted create something that is practical and useable in the home, throughout the festive season.

The result? A 12" x 36" table runner or centre piece for a table or dresser, featuring the right sized wreath to surround a small plate with candle.

I'm not generally one to use novelty prints, but the colours and designs used in the "Jovial" range are fun and feature glimpses of Christmas tradition... with baubles, pine twigs, reindeer and snowflakes. Some simple patchwork with "Jovial" red and the 3 novelty prints has framed the wreath nicely.

I couldn't resist mirroring the central diamond shape at either end with a triangular panel. I think it's resulted in a slightly elongated look. Repeating the holly at the ends also seemed to draw the whole project together as a whole.

So, there you have it!
That's what I've been up to.

My "Deck the Halls ~ Table Runner" pattern is currently available as a PDF download as part of the Christmas In July event happening over at Quilt Fabric Delights. For just $45 AUD, you'll find a whole collection of new Christmas patterns by various designers, special offers, a social chat room for members, a forum and more. The online event lasts for a whole month, with new patterns ready for download every couple of days. We're 2 weeks in... but joining up is still possible. You will still have full access to all patterns already released. To see some of the patterns we've been enjoying so far, click on "Blog" at the top of the Quilt Fabric Delights website.
For more information, please click on the following link... Christmas In July at Quilt Fabric Delights.

"Deck the Halls" will be available to purchase in stores in the next few months... but will be at the normal retail price.

I hope your week has been wonderful so far. Until next time,

 

Melissa  x 

Time for family and a little vintage discovery...

I haven't been terribly active on the "blog front" of late... 

Things have been a little different and very busy at home in the last few weeks, as we try to support family going through a difficult medical crisis. As we all know, family comes first... and whilst I have fallen behind in my pattern writing and other "One Day In May commitments", I feel absolutely content in the knowledge that I have done what I can do to help.

There are many sewers and stores waiting on the completion of my latest pattern "Birds of the Meadow ~ Fabric Boxes." Rest assured that it isn't too far away from being ready, and will have my full attention over the next few days.

The weather here has been absolutely beautiful... the first sign of the Spring to come. My daughter and I decided to venture out this afternoon for a spot of vintage browsing. Today's port of call was Tangerine Vintage, located in Ferntree Gully, Victoria... and look what we found! 
These photos were taken late in the day... you can see the lovely bush in the background, and imagine the afternoon birdsong. 

I've been on the hunt for storage solutions lately. I'm always looking for ways to organise and store, fabric, felt, wadding and all the other necessary materials for creating and designing.

This shallow cane basket is fabulous for keeping "bits" together for a project that is current. It will allow quick and easy access, and will save me rummaging in various boxes and drawers.

But, I have to say... my favourite discovery of the day is this pair of matching Permacase suitcases. I believe they were made in Melbourne, but look forward to doing a little research to discover more about them.

Look the larger one even has my name on it... couldn't possibly have left them there!!

I love everything about these beauties... and think they make a very practical and attractive way to store fabric. Don't you? (The price was great too. Just $10 each!)

The overall condition is pretty good... just a little clean up of the metal work, an airing in the sun to kill some mildew... and we're good to go! Both cases have the same pretty, paper lining.

My final discovery of the day was a blue/grey candle holder (pictured on the right). It is very similar to one given to me by my Mum a little while back (shown on the left). The scalloped base really appeals to me and they remind me of a bygone era. I feel a new collection coming on!

You can visit Tangerine Vintage in store (see address below) or online here, where you'll find a link to their ebay store. Tangerine Vintage also has a facebook page... if you're a facebook fan like me.

I've still been working here and there over the past weeks, and have completed my first project for Quilt Fabric Delights, Christmas In July event. It features 3-dimensional holly, a little patchwork and "facing-finish binding". I'm thrilled with how it's all come up and look forward to being able to reveal all to you very soon. For some sneak peeks, click HERE.

I hope your week has been wonderful, and that you've had time to enjoy this lovely burst of Spring we've been having.

Melissa  x