Laraine's On Capri

Wooden Bobbins with Paper Twin

2012-01-24T16:15:00.003+10:00

The long awaited parcel filled with wonderful vintage reclaimed Braider's bobbins arrived today!

Some are wound with the finest white paper yarn (250 metres) which can be used for all manner of crafts including collage and mixed media. Fine enough to use for stitch or just add beads and couch down.

The bobbins wound with colour are a heavier twine (41 metres) ideal for parcel wrapping and all paper crafts. $18.00 for each Twine and Yarn

All the reclaimed bobbins are unique and look similar but they do vary in size and colour.

They are approximately 10 - 12cm tall and 4.5cm wide.

I am offering a set of three empty bobbins and will try to match the styles. $21.00

Wonderful for displaying your ribbons and laces.

New Sampler Charts

2011-12-30T13:41:00.001+10:00

The days between Christmas and back to work can be an oasis of relaxation but they can also feel a little flat after all the festivities. Hopefully our great new cross stitch sampler charts will inspire you to use the time to put some of your craft skills into action, or tempt you to take advantage of our sales.

I really love the Blackbird Sampler designs especially the small pincushion projects. I've just received about twenty new charts to delve into and they are now all available at http://www.larainesoncapri.com.au/.

Look under Embroidery Linens and Wool for cross stitch charts, Sajou alphabets and wonderful linens to work on.

I Spy

2011-12-19T11:44:00.002+10:00

I spy with my little eye something beginning with R - everything bright Red.

WDW felted wool - Candy Apple

Hand dyed ribbon - Bright Gypsy

Hanah Silk velvet ribbon - Bougainvillea (coming soon)

Primitive Storklettes Scissors

Thread Gatherers Silk Chenille - In The Red

Cottage Garden Threads - Canna Lily

Happy little Lady Bug Beads

A wonderful festive colour for a happy season and family holidays.

http://www.larainesoncapri.com.au/

Merry Christmas

2011-12-01T10:14:00.004+10:00

A very big Thank You for all your support during 2011. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a bright New Year.

I always feel December is the beginning of a new year for me as all my work has finished and there's room in my head for all the new ideas to come forward and express themselves. It's quite hard to choose where to start as there are sooo many styles of embroidery that I love. Will I do the wool designs or will I start on the crazy patchwork! Maybe both at once! I hope you have time to stitch too.

It's going to be a great New Year!

Free Christmas Wrapping

2011-11-18T11:26:00.000+10:00

We're counting down the days to Christmas - 5 weeks to go!

Don't forget that we have all the little finishing touches for your Christmas giving projects. There's Doctors Flannel for needle cases, Lavender for sachets, Lavender and Walnut shells for pincushions and lots of vintage buttons and trims for those finishing flourishes. Many of my kits, accessories and scissors make wonderful stocking fillers too.
Free gift wrapping will be available with every order until Christmas so just leave a message in the comments box as to which items in your order you would like wrapped.
http://www.larainesoncapri.com.au/

Scissors for Christmas

2011-11-18T08:33:00.001+10:00

I love the imitation Ivory and Mother of Pearl scissors from Sajou ( France) and all the Mother of pearl accessories for your sewing boxes. There is something precious and ladylike about Mother of Pearl that echos a bygone era but is still relevant today.
Scissors make a wonderful gift for a family member or friend. They are an enduring gift that gives joy from the very first snip. If you are like me you can't have too many pairs.

Colour Inspiration

2011-11-16T09:30:00.000+10:00

I just thought I'd share with you some of the beautiful colours that arrived in my latest parcels. The Weeks Dye Works felted wools come in the most gorgeous pastel colours and they work so well with the French Scallop braid and the new Hexagonal Mother of Pearl buttons. The Thistle Needle Keep is also new in store. It is nestled on some of Colour Streams 4mm. silk ribbon. Yum!

Hand Dyed Lace Spools

2011-11-03T09:16:00.000+10:00

I've just finished dying this lovely lace trim in shades of green, pink and blue. The colour will blend with just about everything and is great for crazy patchwork, trims on pincushions, needlecases and lots more. Combine with Dupion silks, velvets, wool and felt for a wonderful texture and colour play. Why not also add a little sparkle with the Crystal Chantons and Vintage glass buttons.

Each Hand Dyed Lace Spool holds 1.55 mtr. lace. Re-use the wooden spool when the lace is all gone.

Vintage Cabochon Rosebud

2011-10-18T08:24:00.003+10:00

When in Paris we visited the Botanical Gardens and I had to take a photo of this little climbing rose as it reminded me of the cabochon roses I used to make. I love ribbons of all kinds and it inspired me to get out my stash again and revisit some of the older works I had stored away.

The cabochon Rose is one of my favourites. I learned this technique from the book "The Artful Ribbon" by Candace Kling.

The rose at the bottom is a piece of mine that was published in The Embroiderers Cookbook in 2001.

I have used Hanah silk ribbon in a 25mm. width because the bias cut enables the petals to fold easier.

Make a loose knot a small length of ribbon and tack it to the fabric. Sometimes I made two knots - one on top of the other.

The petals are cut 50mm. or two ribbon widths each. You may make 3 - 4 or 5 petals. Dampen your fingers and roll the outer edge of the ribbon tightly using up to a third of the ribbon. Pin down the ends to hold the roll in place. Stitch in a half circle beginning in the roll and finishing in the roll. Draw up your stitches softly. Cup the petal around the knot and tack under the edge of the knot on the back. Overlap the petals as you go.

Images of Murano

2011-09-26T08:43:00.003+10:00

Design drawings found in a glass blowing factory in Murano, Italy. Murano was wonderfully colourful and exuberant with huge glass flowers, ornaments, jewelery and lights.

Holiday Inspirations

2011-09-19T06:17:00.002+10:00

You may be wondering why you haven't heard from me for awhile.

I've just come back from a four week trip which included 9 days in Paris and a Mediterranean Cruise ending in Barcelona.

It was a wonderful time - no cooking or bed making for 4 weeks - heaven.

Every building had motifs and textures in mosaics, tiles and carvings that suggested design ideas. Between my husband and I we took about 700 photos.

I think some of the ones I've posted today will be finding their way into my wool applique. Can't wait to get started.

Hope they inspire you too.

Moody Tones

2011-08-09T13:32:00.003+10:00

Just some of the moody colour ideas I gathered together to help me decide on the photos and tones for my new Home Page. The "New Look" and some new products will be ready by 20th September.

Happy Jumping Hare

2011-07-27T08:42:00.006+10:00

At last the Happy Jumping Hare has the borders on and I'm ready to baste and quilt.

I thought I would use some overdyed Cottage Garden Perle 8# for quilting around the motifs.

Not being a quilter I'll be working the stitches quite large so you can see the colours in the thread - as long as I get them nice and even I think it will look good. Here goes!

Once the quilting is finished I will be adding some small vine and leaf detail to the outer border. It will be easier to add this last before the binding goes on.

1st - Month - $74.00 Foundation and patchwork fabrics, instructions and pattern for all (12) blocks.
2nd - Month - $95.00 All hand dyed applique wools, felts, velvets, DMC threads, patterns and instructions for centre panel.
3rd - Month - $121.00 Special hand dyed silk perle and chenille threads, beads, needles and braids for the embellishment of centre panel. Plus comprehensive stitch instructions in colour for all blocks.
4th - Month - $60.00 Extra fabrics,threads and pattern instructions for top 3 blocks.
5th - Month - ($85.00 approximately) Extra wool fabrics, threads for bottom 3 blocks and border fabrics and patterns. Final price to be advised when I have finished the quilting and border applique.
A small amount of postage is included.
Please email me at info@larainesoncapri.com.au if you are interested. Kits will be ready from the 8th of August and each monthly Statement will be sent as a Paypal Invoice. Parcels will be posted as soon as payment is received.

Lesson in Gathered Ribbon Flowers

2011-06-29T12:04:00.000+10:00

I love to use these little flowers in most of my embroidery as they add a touch of nostalgia to your work, especially when they are encrusted with rosemontees, chatons or beads. My favourite ribbons to use are the Mokuba picot edged ombre or metallic 7mm. ribbons. Any ribbon can be used but the wider the ribbon a longer length is required. The ombre ribbons will give a loverly shading if you alternate the gathering along the dark or light edge. See the blue flowers in the main picture.

Cut the Mokuba picot ribbon into 5mm. pieces. This ribbon can fray easily so you may wish to seal the cut ends with a little Fray Check. Fold the two cut ends together and sew a seam, end off. Run a gathering stitch along one edge and gather up tightly, end off. Sew a rosemontee or seed beads to the centre and position on your work. They are very easy!

Happy Jumping Hare

2011-06-25T11:25:00.003+10:00

The Happy Jumping Hare is almost finished. I just need to applique the lower edge of the hills and add some embroidery then decide on a border and quilting style. I'm very pleased with the flower motifs and they were a joy to stitch. It has the same wonderful freedom of stitching that you find in crazy patchwork and you can use all your favorite silk threads and trims. You can see the detail in the stitching in the close-up of the flower.

The stitches are basic with interesting combinations and well within the ability of most embroiderers. I have been working hard to produce very comprehensive instructions in colour for better identification of the threads and stitches used.

Email me if you are interested in working this Block of the Month - info@larainesoncapri.com.au

Flowers to Brighten the Day

2011-06-05T09:53:00.001+10:00

I'm starting the pattern drawings today for the Hare applique quilt and it's such a grey day outside I felt I needed some colour to add cheer to the day. The Camilla bushes are loaded with flowers at the moment so I picked a small bunch to sit by my easel while I draw. I know they won't last long but they make you feel fresh and inspired.

Ribbons, Trims and Threads

2011-06-04T09:00:00.001+10:00

It was great to catch up with so many of you at the Trading Day. It was an exciting day for me to be able to show you first hand all the latest gatherings, plus all the old favourites that we are renowned for. ( I forgot to take my camera so there's no pictures)
We'll do it again before Christmas with lots of new decorating and inspirational gift ideas. I'll have to get busy!
It's my pleasure to announce that Vivienne Clifford from Coffs Harbour is the winner of our Hare Pincushion competition. Congratulations - the little parcel of wool, threads, ribbon and buttons is on it's way. I hope you enjoy making it. (Competition was run through our Newsletter - sign up for all the news on the Home page http://www.larainesoncapri.com.au/)

Colour Your World

We have the most splendid colour range of ribbons, threads, trims, hand dyed silk velvet, felt, organza and crinkle chiffon to stir your creativity. All these colours make me feel squeeky inside and I just want to play with them.

Next post I hope to have a tutorial for you on my signature Hanah Silk Ribbon Flowers and my applique quilt is almost finished - so keep in touch.

Creative Stitching

Laraine Lord

Trading Day May 21st.

2011-05-02T22:28:00.002+10:00

Just a few short weeks until my Trading Day on Saturday May 21st. between 10.00am and 2.00pm. at the Isle of Capri Anglican Church. It's just three hundred metres along Salerno St. from my shop which I closed due to ill health.

There will be a focus on my latest designs and specialist supplies of hand dyed fabrics, silk threads and ribbons and vintage glass buttons plus fabrics from the French General range.
Enjoy appliqué and embroidery demonstrations throughout the day and take part in the lucky door prizes.
Lots of beads, fabrics, books and other items will be reduced on the Sale Table so come and grab a bargain.
Mark it on your calendar as a "must do occasion"
I look forward to seeing you and everyone is welcome - bring a friend.

Unfortunately I don’t have credit card facilities available for the day so it will be Cash Only.

Lesson on using Crinkle Chiffon

2011-04-26T08:36:00.009+10:00

A lesson from Robyn Alexander of Colour Streams on how she works with her beautiful crinkle chiffon.

Preparing crinkle silk chiffon for ruching.
Most times I zigzag the edge of the chiffon with a metallic
thread in the bobbin and regular contrasting coloured machine thread on top. Tear a strip of chiffon across the crinkles. Set your machine to '3' stitch width and just under '1' stitch length. Do not set it to satin stitch as it will all go down the hole in the presser plate. Allow the the feed dogs (teeth) of the machine to draw the chiffon out of your fingers. The stitching will entrap the edge in a very fine zigzag and begin to flute the edge. If you want to use the chiffon as in the samples above repeat to the other edge. To apply to your project thread up a crewel needle with a matching colour sewing thread. Bring the thread up through your project gather a little of the edge chiffon onto the needle and take the needle to the back of the project. Bring the needle up again through the project and the chiffon and gather a little more and take the needle back down through your work. Continue in this way meandering across your work. The chiffon should automatically twist and turn creating a fantastic place to nestle those embroidered flowers, beads and more.

Sample pieces by Laraine
These are some of the pieces I have worked using the Gellato threads ruched on a cord and nestled in and around the gathered chiffon. I have torn the chiffon across the crinkles and left it raw. You can pull out any stray threads from the edges. This sample was worked on Artist Trading Card with a variety of threads in a cross stitch theme then Gellato thread chiffon , beads and sequins. It was then applied to a co-ordinating hand dyed Wool Felt book cover.
The second sample is from a crazy patchwork picture with a similar treatment.
There are lots of beads, pearls and tiny sequins meshing the whole work together.

This chiffon is available in over-dyed colours that match the Colour Streams Silk Velvet, Wool Felt and Organza and bring a marvellous colour play to your work. Look under Hand Dyed Fabrics for Stitch on my Website www.larainesoncapri.com.au

Crazy Patchwork

2011-04-05T08:28:00.009+10:00

I like to use plain silks or subtly printed fabrics for the background of my crazy patchwork because I want the embellishments to be the main feature. It is best if the fabrics are of the same density in colour - as too much contrast will draw the eye away from the work as a whole.

The background fabrics in the sample, (in the top picture) were antique dusty beige/pinks and I chose the colours for the embellishments from a Mokuba flower tape. The rich lime, purple, green and magenta colours lifted away from the background and gave more drama to the fabrics and lots of inspiration for the added textures. Hand dyed ribbons and threads can also give you wonderful colour suggestions that you may not have thought of.

I usually work the base stitches (which meander over the seams) in a heavier thread than the decorative stitches, so I like to use Colour Streams Ophir - a hand dyed perle silk thread.

I then looked again at the colours in the flower tape and chose the threads for the embellishing stitches from the Au Ver A Soie perlee range which is my favourite. On the website I have organized these in colour cominations to help with your sellection. They are French and come on charming little wooden reels.

I love to ruch ribbons to build up the texture so next was the hand dyed silk ribbon. This also echoed the Mokuba flower tape. Sometimes it is best if it doesn't match exactly as that can become boring or too much colour change. You may choose one or two single colour ribbons instead.

Nestle beads, crystals, charms, ribbon flowers and lace into the ruched ribbons to add some zing.

Ash me any questions and I'll try to help you.

Special Event

2011-03-29T12:38:00.003+10:00

I have great news this month!

Our open day will be Saturday May 21st. at the Anglican Church hall on the Isle of Capri. The Church is just down the road from the old shop (on Salerno St.) so it is easy to find and there is plenty of parking. I'm looking forward to catching up with you all. Bring along a friend - everyone is welcome. There will be lots of your favourite bibs and bobs, many new ideas, demonstrations and sale items. We will open at 10.00am. until 2.00pm. and it will be cash only.

There will be specials on the Website during May for those of you who live too far away to participate.

Fresh, Fragrant Lavender

2011-02-26T13:52:00.004+10:00

I have just received a delivery of the most fragrant, fresh lavender - harvested this month. The farm had an amazing crop this year after all the rain and the lavender is plump and bountiful. It's a distinctive and engagingly scented modern lavender with a captivating perfume. I am packaging it into 100gm packs.
The little Lavender Puffs pictured are from my kit range and will have some of the new lavender in each pack. They're made of lavender/grey dupion silk embellished with silk velvet puffs, beads and French crinkle ribbon leaves.These little puffs make beautiful gifts and Mothers day is not too far away.

More Progress

2011-02-24T09:05:00.002+10:00

At last the centre block is finished and I've started designing and cutting out the shapes for the smaller blocks. Pictured is the block for the top centre. It's just pinned in place at the moment as I'm still trying out the colours to see how it looks.

Hare - Block of the Month

2011-02-11T08:59:00.003+10:00

The flower on the left is still waiting for leaves and maybe a vine and the hare needs more definition so the centre piece is almost finished. I've been a bit slow making stitch decisions as its a bit like crazy patchwork - you'll have an idea but its not until you've actually worked each piece that you're sure its going to be OK. The stitching is quite fast and if I wasn't designing as I go, it would have been finished by now. Its really fun to do and the wool is very forgiving in the way it takes the thread.

Crazy Patchwork Passion.

2011-02-10T13:33:00.007+10:00

I thought I would share with you some of my favourite trims, ribbons and threads.
Mokuba trims are of such quality and are so beautiful to use, they are impossible to pass over for cheaper varieties and of course there is nothing as elegant as the French ribbons and braids. I love to work on crazy patchwork just to have an excuse to use little snips.
Along with the trims, ribbons, silk fabrics and bead embellishments are the Au Ver A Soie perlee threads. They have such gorgeous antique colours and they slide through the fabric like butter. They come on little wooden reels and you'll be hooked once you try them.

Exotic Flower Trim

2011-01-10T11:09:00.003+10:00

I've just finished the black felted wool pouch and its now available as a kit. It's called Carnivale Flower Pouch after the vibrant Colour Streams felt, organza and thread used. I'm ready to make up the pastel version but my machine is sending me little electrical tingles so I better take notice and get it serviced!

They have been fun, easy and a great pleasure to make. You can see how much I love the different textures. The flowers could be used as a brooch too. They began life as an inspiration from the trims on my Forest Rose bag and they just grew. They are quite dramatic. Hope you like them as much as I do!

New Applique Quilt

2011-01-10T10:36:00.014+10:00

I'm really excited about doing this Block of the Month as I can use all the fabrics, hand dyed silk velvets, felts, felted wool, beads and lots of wonderful textured threads that I love. I think it will be similar to working with crazy patchwork but with a more earthy feel.
The background has been pieced using the foundation method as I didn't want it to be too formal and the colour selection is neutral, combining some of the French General fabrics. My friend Jen Pezaro has helped with the piecing.

The hills are felted wool and wool felt and will be embellished with some of the threads and trims I have chosen.
Next I have to design the flowers which will grow on either side of the hare. I think they will include some silk velvet, ribbon, trims and beads to add a touch of zing. Maybe some silk chenille berries would be a good idea. It will be fun to play.
Keep watching my progress.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-16T07:17:00.002+10:00

Do you have old gold scissors that no longer snip your threads? Why not hang them on your Christmas tree or make a wreath of sewing tools.
I hope you and your families have a joyful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Thank you for all your support this year and look forward to hearing from you in 2011.
Laraine

Inspirations for 2011

2010-12-12T18:48:00.007+10:00

A parcel from Weeks Dye Works arrived today with the most beautiful hand dyed felted wool fabrics in gorgeous colours. I had a hard time selecting the ones I wanted and I sure there will be more colours to come.
I'll be spending the New Year working with them and some of my special threads and beads. I hope it will become my first Block of the Month design with wonderful applique and embroidery. Something for everyone!

Timeless Gifts.

2010-11-30T14:11:00.009+10:00

I've gathered all the special keepsakes we have that will last forever as timeless treasures. You will bring lots of joy to your daughters, mothers, grandmothers and friends alike with these expressive and thoughtful stitching gifts.
I am happy to gift wrap and send parcels on to your family so just fill in the posting address and place a note in the comments box with your special message. This service is Free and available all year round.
Have a wonderful and safe Festive Season and a happy New Year. Thank you for your support in 2010.
Merry Christmas,

Laraine

2010-11-06T09:07:00.007+10:00

Christmas is fast upon us but there is still time to make a special Santa, stocking or ornament and to begin a tradition of making a beautiful addition to your decorations each year.

My Woodland Santa is dressed in a coat of natural felted wool, hand dyed in a parchment colour and embroidered with berries and leaves in silk chenille. It is very satisfying to work with the pure textures of wool and silk combined. The wool background is very easy to stitch into with the chenille and the berries look good enough to pick.

Garden Magic Toowoomba

2010-10-11T09:02:00.026+10:00

Gorgeous flowers photographed in the gardens in

Toowoomba a week ago, just before the heavy rain.
We took some time out to explore the nooks and crannies
of the tablelands, staying at Rudd's Pub in Nobby then
home through Warwick.

Silent Night

2010-09-18T12:02:00.006+10:00

This is my latest little creation. I love the cone shape and when you combine it with Christams decorating it just sings. The flowers are freeform cotton, silk organza, lace and silk velvet - all of my favourite textures. Diamentes at the centre of each flower makes them sparkle. The cone itself is made of silk fabric printed with the old carol Silent Night and embellished with sequins.

2010-08-19T10:35:00.004+10:00

I haven't been able to stitch very much lately as the nerve endings in my fingers have been affected by the Chemo therapy so I've enjoyed just looking through all the threads and vintage buttons in the shop's stash instead. My brain is turning over crazily with new ideas for next year when I hope my fingers will be better and can keep up the pace.

I couldn't resist playing with some of my favourite things, most of which I use in my crazy patchwork. On the plate is Mokuba pink ruffle ribbon and a selection of Au Ver A Soie silk threads, gorgeous vintage German glass buttons and pearls.

Why not visit my Buttons and Treasure pages and select some of the rare buttons for your stash. They are hard to find in such mint vintage condition.

Silky Winter Warmers

2010-05-05T09:57:00.006+10:00

I love my old maniquin. It has been decoupaged with old lace patterns that I collected and it stands in my office amongst the ribbon stands. It gives the office a lovely French flair and is ideal for displaying my scarves.

The cool weather is just around the corner so why not wrap up in one of my scarf designs. Made from silk velvet with felt and silk velvet flowers, they are luxurious and soft to wear. There are 4 colours available.

Stitch Me!

2010-04-11T08:01:00.008+10:00

My daughters grew this amazing orchid in Brisbane and it flowered this month. I thought I would share these photos with you as an inspiration for embroidery. I think it lends itself to stumpwork. Try long and short stitch with creative needlelace stitches over the top.
I'd love to see what you can do with it!

French Inspired Home

2010-04-06T11:44:00.006+10:00

No longer do we have to spend hours looking for vintage fabrics at boot sales and flea markets because The French General has produced a rustic range of beautiful fabrics reminiscent of 19th. Century farmhouses. The large striped fabrics have a 10% linen content which gives an antique feel. I love to cross stitch or embroider monograms and mix them in with the linen stripes and florals for that traditional look. The monograms are great on bags, purses and household items of all kinds. Check out the cross stitch and embroidery linens and also the little Sajou Alphabet Books.The old style reels pictured are in limited supply and each one is wound with 3 to 5mtrs. of ribbon. They were specially selected to match the fabrics so add a little tag or strip of braid to you project and you'll have the perfect French style.

Add Pizzaz to you Embroidery

2010-02-26T08:35:00.005+10:00

I've had the most marvelous time finding vintage glass and crystal buttons from Germany - some are clear glass and others have a mirrored back to add sparkle. There's also sew on mirror backed crowns and fancy mother of pearl vintage French feather and shell sequins to inspire.

Imagine a bag or special book cover decorated with the Akoya buttons with English style decals of Roses and Lilies. The shell effect shines through the decal to give a wonderful lustre.

Combine all these gorgeous ellements with our subtle and sublime silk ribbons for a great lift to you heart and creativity.

2009-12-15T08:27:00.002+10:00

I wish you a Happy Holiday Season and a warm, loving time shared with family and friends.Thank you for your support during the year and I hope you have had great pleasure from your purchases.

Some Important News for Our Australian Customers -Laraine's on Capri is transferring to a wholly Online Business and we are closing our store at the Isle of Capri on Christmas Eve.

I am looking forward to the New Year with exciting new designs and concepts and I hope you will follow my journey.
Warmly yours,
Laraine

2009-09-27T07:30:00.007+10:00

Just arrived in from Yuwa Japan, four beautiful textured linens printed with a collage of roses, stripes and spots or large and small rose bouquets. My favourite is the antique sewing tool print which I think would make great pin cushions, needle cases and sewing bags. See Fabric for more printed linens at www.larainesoncapri.com.au

2009-08-17T08:58:00.001+10:00

2009-07-26T16:14:00.014+10:00

I have been looking through the Monogram book by Susan O'Connor and some of the
reproduction Alphabet books by Sajou and felt inspired to work some of the designs.

I haven't worked in Cross Stitch for a long time but these little Lavender pouches were too
hard to resist as the braids and rick rack matched the linen beautifully.
There's nothing nicer or more pleasing than working with linen.

2009-06-15T09:14:00.006+10:00

Some lovely comments from customers and other shop owners this month.
I am mentioned in Vintage Vogue's latest newsletter from America. They are very keen on Crazy Patchwork and love my projects in the Creative Cross Stitch and Embroidery Magazine.

I received these happy letters this morning from Judy in Pennsylvania - USA and one from Yvonne in Bega NSW

"Dear Laraine,
The parcel arrived in ONE WEEK! It was unbelievable when the postman came to the door with this parcel from Australia. Then, when I opened it up, there it was; wrapped carefully in tissue paper and tied with a lovely bow. Well, I couldn't open it for two days - I just savored it, knowing that I had it. I know, I know, I am weird! When I did open it carefully, I was awestruck. All of the materials were more gorgeous then even shown on the website. I am afraid to start it for fear that I will mess it up somehow. Tomorrow I shall carry on and start. Will be ordering more trim (just because it's pretty) on Wednesday or Thursday, the 17th or 18th.
Thanks a Million for your lovely web site,Judy Boyer "

Comments: I have just received my parcel. The kits and contents look fabulous, I only hope I can do them justice. Many thanks,

Yvonne Flood

It's wonderful to have a parcel arrive in the mail that lives up to your expectations. I'm glad to have such positive feedback.

Divine Pear

2009-05-10T17:42:00.007+10:00

Designing blues - I had a great idea! Wouldn't velvet pears with embroidery be just gorgeous - so I set to and drew up a pattern. I didn't really visualise the size it would be and it turned out to be jumbo sized! Back to the drawing board.
The second attempt was just right and I was really excited. I was so please with the results I decided to take my pieces to Brisbane with me on the train to show my daughters.
Settling into my seat, with the train pulling away from the station - Oh! No! The bag with my embroidery is still on the seat at the station. What can I do? Do I go back? This pear is jinxed.
At the next station I jumped out and knocked on the train driver's door and asked if they could find my parcel.
Two stops later the driver came through to tell me they had found my work. What service - I almost cried!
The pear will be ready as a kit in a few days so all is well.

Fleur Romantique

2009-04-13T14:59:00.007+10:00

The April edition of Creative Embroidery and Cross Stitch featured my latest Crazy Patchwork project on the front cover.
I had great enjoyment stitching this bag and especially working the hand dyed silk velvet into dimensional flowers. The jewel colours in the velvet set the tone for the shades used in the silk embroidery threads and ruched ribbon.
Tucked into the ribbon folds are blue picot edged ribbon flowers and tiny glass hearts.
Sprigs of Silk Chenille roses and leaves add an interesting texture to the background.
The kits are available with instructions or without if you have the pattern in the magazine. The unusual bag handle with chain is included in either kit or you can buy a bag handle only in your choice of style.

Ribbons with sparkle

2009-03-24T22:30:00.014+10:00

There is something gentle and refined about soft pastel colours that gives you a sense of well being. This is how these little picot edged ribbons made me feel. They are a pretty coloured thread woven over a gold or silver metallic thread which softens the colour to a creamy antique tone. The little gold or silver picots along the edge makes them a sparkle. Imagine them nestling into your ribbon work and crazy patchwork.

I made the little samples for my website to demonstrate how pretty the ribbons were. They sat on the counter for sometime needing to be displayed. Inspiration struck and I added some stitched words below the posy and made them into a string of hearts using Hanah silk ribbon for the larger flower and the metallic ribbon for the little gathered flowers and leaves.
I will hang them from my favourite cupboard door.

First Post!

2009-02-14T17:53:00.006+10:00

Welcome to my first blog!
I've been trying out my new camera and I'm really happy with this photo of the Lavender Puffs. They are a simple little design but they make you feel happy and special with their hand dyed silk velvet flowers and beads. An added bonus is they smell good too! Many of my designs are made of rich fabrics that are wonderful to feel and easy to sew. Do you have someone needing a special treat? Why not make them a Puff from my kits. I'm sure they will be a great hit.