Retreat

Last weekend, some of the sisters, plus one gorgeous 8 week old boy, gathered in Queensland for a Sewing Sisterhood retreat. The sisters traveled from three different states to be there. It was a great opportunity to catch up in person, enjoy some lovely meals, learn some new sewing skills and have some beautiful baby cuddles!

The gorgeous Rebecca from Baby Chilli wrote this quickfire version of events from her perspective!

'We're here... Where are you? Baggage claim one, umm no... You sure you’re in Brisbane... Ahh Jodie!

Long walk to the car,

Wow it's hot!

Get to the shops, meet the others, take off my leggings 'cause I'm boiling in black... Ohh this dress is too short... I need to buy some clothes!... Target here we come... Where's the maternity department? :-) ... Same skirt as Jodie, and as Bridie!

Food court lunch, I think we need more wine!

On our way... Nice freeway,

Lets go to the pub! Umm how much further?!

Get to accommodation, lovely guy, hmm which cabin shall we take?..

More drinks....

Lets go canoeing, what no oars? How about those logs.. Lets have a fire... Is the tide out?

The others arrive, chocolate and nibbles time.. Brownies!!!

Crazy chat, so much to say.

Dinner time, up and up and up the stairs we go...

Parma or steak....

Water stop... Ohh can we buy a big bottle...

Wow so tired off to bed for me!

Ugh don't drink the shower water, it's brown!

Do I snore?? Wake each other up when we roll over at night, plastic mattresses, no curtains so wake up at 5.30!!!

Chat time, yummy cooked breakfast, thanks Angela

Off to market, love it! So much walking, hi Sarah and Naomi

Lets all try on clothes! Hot under here!

Chicken satay, cookie, crepe with Nutella and banana, a banana, Florentine cookie... How can I still be hungry?

Hi Karen and family.

Where's the chocolate shop?

Mel is buying dresses and more dresses, looks great!

Bracelet making,

Are we going to go to the beach?

Cheese and kabanna stop

Back to camp for nibbles, cheese, kabana, dip, crackers and cupcakes and brownies!! And more baby cuddles!

Gift swap.. Angela got a headband, brownie mix! Ohh such nice things, awesome wall art for sewing room, thanks Sarah.

Let's do some crafting...

Set up machines, ruffles, rolled hem foot, feed dogs, button sewing.. Ahh the things we learnt!

Off to the beach! Pity it's raining and dark! Look there's the waves!

Tavern dinner, $9.50 cruisers!!

Hey they took our table! Mmm salmon!

Back to camp, still no drinking... What's wrong with us!

More chatting... Off to bed

What's that noise? Geckos! Oh and Mosquitoes!

Sleep in, get up to find girls crafting in pjs

Food chat with Angela, clean up kitchen. Off to spotty! Hi we're near Sarah, busy! Hmm what shall I buy...

We need a coffee.. Sneaky lunch..

More crafting, scrappy pin cushion, frayed roses, pack up time. Ahh the fly the fly...

Photo time, posing time, laugh till we almost wet our pants!

Say our goodbyes, on our way back down freeway.

Stop at officeworks, pick n pay hypermarket, clothes shopping, bargains!

Arrive at airport, more goodbyes, hi Jodie, dinner and chat with Jodie, walk to gates, say goodbye. Gah delayed flights all round!

Back in Melbourne, coffee in international arrivals as only coffee shop open, Bridie arrives, on my way home. Clean shower, ahh can drink the water! Now off to bed, I'm tired!

Awesome weekend, thanks so much guys!!’

Fancy some more detail? Here are some photos to show you what the sisters and baby got up to...

The very organised and generous Sarah (independent crafter) looked after every detail of the retreat for us - even personalised mugs!

Each of the sisters made a little gift for a sister gift swap. Numbers were randomly selected and yet each gift suited it's recipient perfectly!

For each of the sisters, the retreat meant time away from children. The opportunity for going out for dinner was seized with both hands and greatly enjoyed!

Crafting made an appearance between chatting, shopping, baby cuddles and more chatting. This is Sarah's gorgeous pin cushion. Some of the other sisters went home with frayed roses (thanks Nat from Patooties Boutique and Rebecca from Baby Chilli) and some felt strawberries (thanks Angela from Perigren Creations). Thanks to Rebecca and Patricia (Unique Babeez) some of the sisters also went home with new knowledge of lesser known sewing machine functions and plans to buy new fancy feet!

Before we said our goodbyes we managed to get this group photo. It might help you put some faces to names and businesses! From left to right: Michelle (M's Cute Bottoms), Mel (MelliMoo Creations), Patricia (Unique Babeez), Bridie (Little Magnolia Button), Rebecca (Baby Chilli), Nat (Patooties Boutique), Sarah (Independent crafter), Jodie (Three Little Chickens) holding Nat's very special baby boy and Angela (Perigren Creations).

All in all the retreat was a lovely weekend that brought together some like minded friends. The Sewing Sisterhood encourages you to surround yourself with people who inspire you to be creative!

Showcase Shoutout - Little Magnolia Button

Next we have Little Magnolia Button. Bridie is the face behind Little Magnolia Button and started it just after her daughter Imogen was born. Inspired by the things she was making for her daughter to wear and play with, she has gradually expanded her collection of items on offer. Bridie makes clothing, bibs, hats and soft toys, and her signature is the use of bright, happy colours.

Rose is the latest cloth doll from Little Magnolia Button. She is 13" tall. Her body is made from 100% cotton muslin and her outfit, including a removable skirt, is made from quality quilter's cotton from My Mind's Eye's Willow range. Rose has a hand drawn face and golden cotton/acrylic blend hair. Rose enjoys tea parties and gentle cuddles but not water fights. While her face has been heat sealed please avoid contact with water on the off chance that the colours might run. Spot clean only. Rose is made based on a pattern from a Claire Bear's Folly pattern.

Rose would make a great Christmas gift.

You will see more cloth dolls from Little Magnolia Button. They are not available for custom order at this stage, but will be added to the 'for sale' photo album as they are completed. Rose is listed at the introductory price: $40 plus $7.20 tracked postage.

Clothing items in the fabric worn by Rose will be available on the Little Magnolia Button Facebook page this summer.

Showcase Shoutout - Puppy Dogs Tails

Slugs & snails & puppy dogs tails.... In the quest for funky bums for funky little boys Puppy Dogs Tails was born. A few years ago Holly started dabbling with making clothing for her son. Frustrated at the lack of handmade options she was able to find for him, the frustration only increased with the birth of her second son.  With two small boys and only limited options for dressing them, what else could she do but make their clothes myself.  After Holly started making things for them her friends started asking if they could buy them - and then Facebook got invited to the party and Puppy Dogs Tails was reaching a much wider audience.

For the Christmas Showcase Holly has created a size 3-6 month “Gnome for the Holidays” Nappy Cover Set comprising a 100% cotton decorative nappy cover featuring a super cute gnome print and contrasting leg trim, and matching appliquéd singlet.  $25.00 + $6.20 tracked post (or free local delivery in Townsville)

The cute Christmas themed gnome print is perfect for the holiday season, whether you be celebrating at the beach, a BBQ or just lazing around at home!

Limited custom orders available or keep an eye out for ready made listings in a variety of Christmas fabrics (and some non Christmas ones as well)  email puppydogstails@live.com.au

Showcase Shoutout - Mac & Mia

Mac & Mia is the creative outlet of Mia, mum to Natalie and Ryan and nana to Violet. Mia likes to experiment with feminine designs for little girl clothing, catering to those who are dissatisfied with the 'adult' styles currently fashionable in the shops. 8 years on and Mac & Mia are a regular fixture at the markets and Mia is still enjoying creating new styles.

For the Christmas Showcase Mia has submitted a size 4 party dress with matching lace headband. This beautiful party dress is made from quality white cotton with a tiny red floral print. The skirt features a red netting sequinned overlay which gives it a special, Christmassy feel without limiting the dress to Christmas time wear. The pretty top has spaghetti straps, a feminine lace panel and two self-covered buttons to match the skirt. It ties at the waist with red grosgrain ribbon.  

Included is a matching lace headband featuring a pleated decoration and self-covered button to coordinate with the dress. The set is $47 including tracked postage.

This is a one of a kind dress, however Mia is more than happy to take custom orders - check out the Mac & Mia Facebook page for the complete range of styles and available fabric, or email Mia directly at macandmia@yahoo.com.au