Product in Focus: Walkie Chalkie from Skip Chasey

Today's Product in Focus is something clever to put the smiles on faces of children and parents alike! This Q&A session is courtesy of Sarah from Skip Chasey.

1. Name of product: Walkie Chalkie
2. What is the purpose of the product: To provide a portable drawing mat while out and about.
3. Who can use this product? Children that are able to draw with chalk - all the way up to adults.  It is also good for those children that are non-verbal and can write or draw their responses. 
4. What is the product made from? Chalk cloth fabric and designer cotton backs. 
5. Where is the product created? It is created here at Skip Chasey headquarters.  
6. How is the product created? With a sewing machine. The binding on the Walkie Chalkies is all made by hand.  Specialty needles are used to go through the thick chalkcloth. 
7. How did the product idea come about? I saw some chalkcloth being sold online and thought about what I could be doing with it. There was a prototype that was posted on the Skip Chasey Facebook page that was very well received.
8. Where can customers buy this product and what is the RRP? Walkie Chalkies are available at market nights on the Skip Chasey Facebook page and retail at $20 plus postage. www.facebook.com/SkipChasey
   
   

What's On!

Sakurako will have a new boys cot quilt listed on Wednesday – 2D Zoo I. A bold, minimalist design showcasing a boyish blue, green and brown animal print and with straight-line quilting, 2D Zoo I is a truly modern quilt for a modern nursery. Available via the Sakurako Facebook page 

Jane from Lil Pip has been busy sewing for her little owlets. 

The joy on their faces when mummy makes something for them is totally worth it (and something that should happen more often!).   Still being challenged, this is the first time playing with stretch knit fabric since high school.  Supposed to be night wear, I have a feeling that they might be all the time wear!

I'll soon be preparing for my first markets for 2012. Keep Saturday 11 February free and come to see me at the Yarraville Markets. Same day as the Yarraville Festival with bands, free kids entertainment, food and of course homemade goodies.

M's Cute Bottoms has enjoyed some time off and is getting back into the swing of things. I've been busy updating all the products on the website and everything is current.  Keep an eye out this week for new items being released, like wet bags and MORE nappies. Head on over to mscutebottoms.com and check out what is available. I’m also happy to announce that I will be a stall holder at The Mummy Tree Market at Morningside, their first market is in February so keep an eye out for more information on that.

It is still all sweet and summery this week at Handmade By 3Little B’s. I will be enjoying a week of creating Sweet Summer Sun Suits in a variety of gorgeous fabrics!

So many fabric combinations whirling in my mind! Watch my wall, this week is all about make and sell. Cheers Mel (Mumma B)

 Pattern design courtesy of Little Lizard King sewing patterns 

Product in Focus: Kids Back Pack from My Obsession Designs

Let's kick start 2012 with a product that fits nicely with the beautiful summer weather that a lot of Australia is currently experiencing!  This Q&A session is courtesy of Tracey from My Obsession Designs.

1. Name of product: Kids Back Pack
2. What is the purpose of the product: My kids back packs are lined with a waterproof fabric, which makes it ideal for kids to carry to swimming lessons or a trip to the beach.  Equally as great for a trip to the park or an overnight stay at the Grandparent's place.
3. Who can use this product? The back pack is designed "kids-size" but can easily be used by an adult also.
4. What is the product made from? The outside of the bag is made from 100% quilting cotton - lightweight by durable.  They are lined with waterproof PUL (which is the same product used in MCN's to keep baby dry).
5. Where is the product created? The back packs are created by me, in my home with my kids playing under my feet.
6. How is the product created? They are sewn entirely with my trusty sewing machine.
7. How did the product idea come about? My children attend swimming lessons weekly.  With all three of them in the pool (as well as me for the younger ones), I was a bit like a pack-horse heading out every Wednesday morning.  I wanted a back pack that the kids would wear themselves, something fun and colourful, lightweight but big enough to hold their towel, swimwear, drink bottle and a snack.  Something that didn't weigh them down.
8. Where can customers buy this product and what is the RRP? Customers can purchase my kids back packs from my Online Store at www.ozhandmade.com.au/store/myobsessiondesigns or in person at The Mummy Tree Markets on the Gold Coast (every second month).  I also attend other markets around Brisbane, visit my Facebook Page for updates on where you can find me.  The back pack retails at $30 (AUD).
9. Do you have a special offer for our blog followers? Mention seeing my back packs on The Sewing Sisterhood Blog and you will receive $5 off!

TSS Photo Challenge - Week 1

Welcome to The Sewing Sisterhood's weekly Wednesday Photo Challenge. Photo challenges are really popular online right now - there are weekly challenges for the less adventurous, photo-a-day challenges for a single month for those who want to stretch themselves a bit, and Project 365(+1) for those dedicated to taking a photo a day for a whole year.

The Sisters have committed to weekly photos to a set theme. This week, to kick things off we are showcasing our machines. There's a huge variety of sewing machines represented in the Sisterhood, but the clear favourite of the overlockers is the Janome Mylock 644D.

You can catch a glimpse of some of the Sister's creative spaces in the photos too - you'll see more detail of those in future Photo Challenge weeks. 

1. Jo - 5 Giraffes & a Cheeky Monkey  2. Gem  - Musings of a Crafty Mind 

 3. Melanie - MelliMoo Creations  4. Sarah - Skip Chasey 

5. Sabrina - Crambster Creations

1. Holly - Or Elsie  2. Naomi - Made for Myah 

3. Tanya - Pumpkin Snitch Designs  4. Leigh - Sakurako 

5. Lynda - Stoked Creations

1. Belinda - Little Sew & Sews  2. Jane - Lil Pip

3. Linda - Independent crafter  4. Mel - Handmade by 3 Little B's

5. Jodie - Zahley Rose

1. Tracey - My Obsession Designs  2. Gill - Frilly's Designs

3. Kylie - Independent crafter  4. Michelle - M's Cute Bottoms

5. Sharon - Lil Moo & Mee

Next weeks theme is "Favourite room in your house" and I'm expecting lots of gorgeous spaces to drool over. See you then!