London Design Festival :: 14 - 23 September 2012

This year marks the 10th London Design Festival. One of the events we hope to visit is 'Enter the Imaginerium' which is a workshop space located within the Fabrications gallery/shop.

Fabrications is a shop/gallery and studio space located in Hackney, East London that is dedicated to upcycling and eco design. It has helped to promote and sell the work of over 200 local artists as well as held crafty workshops. As part of London Design 2012 they will be holding various workshops as well as inviting everyone to visit their space. Some of the upcycled creations on offer include:

Upcycled Shirt and Tie made into cushions:

Also their popular Rethink Rubbish kits. These kits are full of carefully selected materials and instructions to create such awesomeness as knitted mobile phone cases (made from plastic bags), fascinators, sustainable gift wrapping and these beautiful brooches!

For more information check out their online shop here.

Frida Kahlo Softie by craftyclaudes

For the last few weeks I have been working on this little Frida Kahlo softie/cushion as a Birthday gift for my sister.   The idea came to me watching a short film on Frida recently.  I loved her unique style, passion for her Mexican heritage and her colourful self portraits.   So after spying this gorgeous fabric on one of my recent shops

I got to sketching and practicing my pattern making skills.  Using a template of a babushka doll that I had made recently, 

Raiding my fabric stash I found these cotton napkins that I got to use for Frida's face.

 More cutting and many hours of sewing by both machine and hand.....I finally completed her in time to give to my sis.

A little poncho with pom poms made me smile.......arribaaaaa!!

 Hand stitching felt flowers for her hair piece....

 Martino let Frida enjoy a little bit of chill out time in his fave chair. She enjoyed it for a little while.  We got used to seeing her around the apartment in all stages of creation......

but now she goes home with my sis to hang out in the Queensland Sunshine.  I think Frida was a hit!  

Craftyclaudes handmade:: Pretty little Babushka Doll Softie

I have been working on a new softie/doll.  For a while now I have been researching Babushka dolls but hadn't found any that incorporated a little bit of hand sewing as well as up cycled fabrics that I liked.  So I set about designing one using a simple pattern I made on my own.

The pattern allows me to use double layers of fabric for extra strength and colour possibilities.

So on my recent visit to the Salvos I found these beautiful linen knickerbockers in a light grey. The quality of the linen is A1 - no pesky knots (slubs) in the fabric.  Although they are a very tiny size 4, for a couple of dollars I couldn't resist.  

snip snip - off with the leg!

I also found this lovely fabric napkin.  This one has a sweet, hand embroidered trim that sets off a little  applique flower.  A lot of  hand made love was put into this napkin, and just my luck, I rescued it from the fabric miscellany bin.

After cutting out the fabric pieces, I did a little hand embroidery.  A quick refresher from mum allowed me to chain stitch the eyes in a sleepy little look. A peaceful babushka ready for a nap and many hugs.  Here she is all finished!

The new Brother NS20 is working a treat. Allowing me to sew through many layers of fabric and with 40 stitches I get to experiment a little with some machine embroidery.

So there she is all finished. She is very cute and plump like a good cushion and soon leaving me to go to a new home.

Part 2:: Once Upon A Time I was a........

A cheese box.....

via here

Cake tin and a candlestick....

Via here

Plastic spoons...

Via here

Craftyclaudes Owlies now available instore at Little Harriet - Miranda

Recently opened Little Harriet offers a huge range of Women's Vintage and Pre loved Designer Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Accessories and a variety of Home Décor.....a big range of prettiness really.  As a big lover of upcycled and recycled clothing and fabrics I am very proud to have the opportunity to offer some of my handmade goodness at Little Harriet.

Here are some pics from a recent visit....

Here they are!

Beautiful vintage glass and beaded jewelry

A great range of colours and styles....ready to jazz up any outfit

Shoe love.....In many sizes, colours and designs

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Gifts and clothing for little ones as well!

Lizie's handmade floral brooch -  lovely.   There will soon be new season creations available in the store

Jewelry love!

With a fantastic personal sense of style - Lizie carefully chooses the pieces to showcase in her store

Stay tuned for more craftyclaudes creations with a Spring/Summer vibe......

So when you are next in the Sutherland Shire drop in and visit........you are sure to find all things nice, with added sugar and spice!


Little Harriet
Shop 3
176 Parraweena Road
Miranda  NSW 2232


Visit Little Harriet on Facebook and become a fan

Before and After projects I am loving....

All via Design*Sponge