Visit Plushka's new space!

We've moved!

Our new space is here. 

xxx

It's happening, Plushka is moving!

It's been a few months in the making but it getting closer and closer... 

Plushka's website is going live any day now! 

It's very exciting and a little scary too as it's a new system that I still need to learn how to use. However, as much as I love my blog,  it's time for a change. I hope to make this transition smooth and that you will still stop by my blog to read it but on a crispy new website! 

It will be a few days of transferring things and setting it all up and I am looking forward hearing what you think about the new look:) 

If you would like to stay updated on my website progress and other happenings, you can do it here:

Newsletter 
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

Hooray for the new beginnings!

Felt monster toy DIY, make the whole family of colourful monsters!

The patterns for the happy monsters are finally here! It did take me a while but I got here eventually. I got too carried away with making them in different colours, they are very addictive! 

This three eye monster takes a few hours and many felt spots to make. He is super cute and can be an educational toy too - learning colours, textures and shapes. You can use ribbon tags instead of felt ones if you wish. 

To make one 3 eye monster, you'll need:

Plushka's pattern 

(it can be downloaded from HERE)

felt in many colourful colours: 2 larger pieces for the body - finished monster is 14 cm in diameter 

red felt for the heart and spots, grey, white, black....other colours for the spots.

(All felt is 100% pure new wool felt from Plushka's Makery)

white, black, grey, red and matching embroidery threads to the body colour.

toy stuffing 

pins

Instructions:

1. cut out the body and the eyes as per pattern

2. cut 5 strips of felt about 10 cm long and 1 cm wide, put aside.

3. place white parts of the eyes on the head and lightly draw a little smile with a chalk to make sure it will fit after the eyes are stitched on. Stitch eyes in place - white, grey, black. 

4. Add a smile, making small stitches in black embroidery thread, following by eyelashes. Note that the middle eye looks the other way, thus eyelashes are underneath it. 

5. Cut out one heart shape and about 10 multi-coloured dots. Note that I haven't used red dots on the face of the monster on purpose in order to make heart stand out more. Also, heart is to be stitched on with red thread. 

6. Place all the dots around heart (it's already stitched on) and attach the dots with one cross in the middle with the embroidery thread that matches the body colour. 

Optional: if you would prefer to attach the dots more securely so they are harder to pick on for a baby, stitch them on like you did the eyes, all the way around. As the dots might be ripped off, this toy is recommended for kids after 3 years old. Unless you attach them all the way around and supervise while the toy is played with. 

7. Cut out as many dots  as you wish for the back of the monster. I used red ones at the back as well as other colours. Attach in the same style as at the dots at the front.

8. Fold the felt strips (or ribbon) in half and pin them on in  between front and back. Stitch around using matching thread catching the "tags" in place as you go. Leave a gap for stuffing! 

9. Stuff your little monster and stitch the gap.

Ta-Da! You have one happy monster! 

Enjoyed making this colouful fellow? Other patterns for 2 more monsters are available in the patterns shop. Why not make the whole family?!

Happy stitching!

I would love to see your creations so don't hesitate to leave a link to your blog post or post pictures on my Facebook page.

On my day off...

I decided to take a day off today. As I and Mr. Plushkin work through the weekend, we usually have one or two days off during the week. On my little day off to-do list was to feed the birds in the park.... tick.

Then, try to use as many tomatoes as I can as be bought 10 kg on special..... tick.

I roasted 2 kg to make a sauce for carries, used 1 kg to make a pasta sauce in the Thermomix and made one of these eggplant and chickpeas roasts..... Phew! I think we will have tomato based diet this month!

For this afternoon I have a clean up planned in my studio after a monster production line of happy monsters. 

Hope you are having a delightful day too!

xox

Monday inspiration: blankets and waving in those pesky Ends

After posting countless updates on my two cotton crochet blankets, I thought I should really show you the end result. They are still in progress as the Ends need to be waved in. This is truly the hardest part for me as I get inpatient when I see the "sea" of ends still left to be tidied up! I know it's better to tidy up every square one by one as I crochet the blanket. Even so, I get too excited about finishing the blanket so I left them. Anyways, they turned out beautifully with the new lacy boarder I crocheted for the first time. 

While doing some fabric shopping the other day I discovered the plastic needles that actually made my life so much easier! I used to wave in the ends with the hook and it took me so much longer then with the needle so I hope to get these lovely blankets in the shop this week.

To cheer myself up in between the ends waving, I started the woolen blanket. I am trying a new colour pattern with just one pink row in some of the squares. What do you think? 

Happy Monday!

Saturday at the studio....

It's raining here. again. The gloomy and sleepy mood is back but I am fighting it off with some toy making. I was hoping to take pictures for the monster pattern today but not sure how it will work out with the lighting... 

Anyway, there are plenty of things to do around here. I finished a fox with fabric called "Cherry Woods" by Saffron Craig that I paired with rose pink felt. She turned out to be very cherry sweet, didn't she? 

Mid morning I caught a glimpse of light and took pictures of doilies for the Plushka's Makery store.... These are just a few of them, there are also crochet hearts in store that I just love!

More of my new "Blossoming love" lavender hearts are in the making right now, in lighter shades of pink. 

.....and that's how I spend my morning. 

Hope you are having a delightful weekend! 

Valentine's day DIY links round-up, guest post

Happy Friday!  This is Laura of Creativity Unmasked and today’s guest post is a romantic round-up of DIY ideas to help you get ready for Valentine’s Day. 

Clockwise from upper left: 

Heart-shaped ice cream sandwiches (Martha Stewart)

Cupid’s arrow toppers and tags (Creature Comforts)

Coffee cup wrappers (Eat Drink Chic)

Wrapped books (Design Sponge)

Valentine pillowbox (Whip Up)

Printable children’s valentines (Ellinee)

Looking for more great Valentine’s Day ideas?  I have a whole board of Valentine’s Day inspiration on Pinterest.

Have a fabulous creative weekend! 

Do you know how to choose the right fabric for your project?

I don't sew much so I never really gave this topic much thought to be honest. I know what quality fabric feels like and always make sure it is 100% cotton and that's probably good enough for what I make. 

However, as one of my new year resolutions is to make 3 pieces of handmade clothing for myself, I started researching more about sewing clothes and found this great website - Nicole's classes. The article that led me to this website is about choosing the right fabric for a sewing project, you can find it here. 

I think I will start my handmade clothing adventure by making a simple top or a dress. I have a few issues of Burda Style and, after looking at their blog, I am getting more and more inspired to sew!

Do you sew your own clothes? Do you have any blogs/websites you would recommend? 

Rain, toys and gloomy days...

It feels like I haven't blogged for ages, in reality it's been only a couple of days. It feels like forever! With 2 days of constant rain (much longer for our QLD readers!) it is very gloomy in the studio. Thus, I couldn't take any pictures and just felt like having a nap... so I took a day off and use this opportunity to spend more time with Mr. Plushkin. Although the weather is a little better today, this is the best picture I could take of my hedgehogs...

Thankfully, we are safe and dry here but so many of our friends have been affected. Our thoughts with those who are still expecting the water to rise and have been evacuated. 

If you know any flood appeals besides Australian Red Cross appeal or handmade auctions, do leave the link in the comment so we can get involved and spread the word. 

Stay safe lovely readers!

xox

the third one....

I received so many helpful comments on Facebook about my happy little monsters! I was going to make another one combining two designs, taking into account that some people preferred green monster for one eye and aqua for the tags.   

I thought I'll just add tags to the green one but it didn't feel right. Tags just didn't go with that shape so, I thought that it will be better to make a different design all together. It needed to be round for the tags but not the same shape as the aqua one as that would be too easy, right?! 

It also had to have one eye so, after some tinkering, I came up with this:

They are now a group of colourful monster friends!

With so much bright colour around me, I am off to paint my toe nails red and hope they will survive the swim this afternoon. 

Hope you are having a fun Australia day long weekend!
xxx

Cross-stitching tips, round-up by Plushka back in 2009

I while ago, when I've changed the layout and the design of this blog, all the pictures in the posts from 2009 just disappeared.  It was sad as I love going back and see what I've been up to back then so it took me a while to come to terms with the fact that I really should delete those posts. However, before I do that, I though I might be able to salvage a few that I think worth saving!  

Might writing style has changed so I modified and also updated this post by adding a picture of my recent cross-stitched creations.(originally posted on 30th of July 2009).

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I am trying to learn more about enhancing the speed and quality of my cross stitching. I’ve been doing it for quite a long time but I still wonder why I get knots on the embroidery thread or how to stitch faster so I will have more projects done?

In CrossStitcher (issue 2009) there was a great free diary that included some handy tips and here are some of them:

1. Keep a completed project crease free by rolling it around a cardboard tube with stitching facing outwards.

2. Keep your metallic threads under control and easy to use by knotting the tread to the eye of the needle.

3. Bind the edged of a ring frame with strips of cotton fabric. This will help to keep your fabric taut in the frame.

4. Your stitching tension will vary from day to day so always come to a convenient finishing point before packing up.

5. Work the top area of the design first, followed by the bottom section. This will reduce the temptation of leaning against previously stitched areas.

6. Be economical with your thread by stitching a row of half cross stitch and then working back along the row in the opposite direction to complete the cross. It will also make your stitches look neat at the back. 

Also, on the CrossStitcher website, I found some great tips on washing your work as well as other very handy tips for beginners!

You might also find helpful:

cross-stitching tips by Bountiful Heirlooms

How to cross-stitch - great tips if you just learning how to cross-stitch with pictures and a video.

Do you cross-stitch? What do you find the hardest about this type of embroidery? 

My creative space and my happy felt monsters

In my creative space this week I am having fun with monsters! I must say, I had to come out of my "comfort zone" in order to make these two cheeky guys.  

After I made the round aqua monster, I checked with my Facebook readers whether I am on the right track at all. Will kids like it? Is it cute enough? After many positive comments (Thank you everyone for the feedback!), I continued with monster making and that's when the lime green one was born. Gotta love Facebook! My monsters affair would probably be over after making just one....

Now I am working on the pattern, instructions and kits so stay tuned!  

Hope you are having a creative Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday...

In the studio lately....

 It's a toy making season here, in the studio. I started from the owls and now moving to the foxes and hedgehogs.... My stock building plan is going well so far. 

However, I did  make a small customer order that is now on it's way to US. Two linen napkins with Hello Kitty were requested to match a set of cups with the same pattern as the Liberty fabric.

 I really enjoyed making the heart applique and added hand-stitching around them to emphasize the shape. As I have the same set, I styled a picture for the lisiting and now I think I need napkins like these too! 

Today I am working on these two cuties with organic fabric. I like this orange, perfect for the foxes! I will be also making a burgundy red one later this week...

How is your start of the week? 

What's in the making at your place? 

Sunday stash.... teal, blue, brown and foxes

The settled shades of green, blue and brown are so me and when these prints arrived, I must admit I stroked them and looked at them for a while. It always takes me some time to put them on the shelf and new fabrics end up hanging around my craft table for some time. Occasionally because they are out and about, I find a matching felt and the fabric gets to be used straight away. Most often through, I put them away and they are waiting to be discovered yet again when I shuffle the fabrics around during tiding up. It's fun and I love it!

From the top:

Playful foxes in blue, Timber & Leaf collection by Sarah Watts 

On point in minty, Simpatico collection by Cloud 9 fabrics, organic cotton

 Gerbera print, Timber & Leaf collection by Sarah Watts 

Ripples in aqua, Les Amis by Patty Sloniger 

These two prints are wonderful, aren't they? I have my doubts that they will be used on the toys, as the print is slightly too large, but I am sure they will find that right project eventually! 

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Sponsors love - Pink colour finds, bi-monthly

3 years ago when I just started creating, I didn't like pink. Yes, that is true, pink wasn't the colour of my choice when I used to buy fabric or picking the colours for my creations. However, shade by shade it won me over and have a lovely pink fabric stash with all sorts of prints. It is now one of my first colour choices!

To celebrate my love for pink, here are few products from my lovely sponsors in this pretty colour:

Japanese Sakura fabric fat quarter from Little Starfish (fabrics) - $4.50 

Mavis Hand-knitted Pony by Chantille Fleur  - $15 

Apple pincushion by Squeeze Cuddles - $18

Kiki the Kokeshi softie pink by Allie's handcrafted gifts - $22

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Would you like to be Plushka's sponsor? Email me for more details! plushkacraft[at]hotmail.com. The rates start from just $5 - $20!
We keep it affordable for small handmade businesses.
(fabric shops are welcome to apply)

Crochet granny squares, Woollies for Tassie

One of my resolutions this year is to make more things for my home, as well as gifts, donate and participate in group projects as much as possible. Although, I am trying not to overcommit this year too so I am hoping to find a nice balance in between. 

Anyhow, while I have time in the beginning of the year, I joined a few craft alongs including the Woollies for Tassie. 

I loved the idea of showing our support and sending love to the victims of the recent bush fires in Tasmania with yarn. 

Thus, I made 2 woolen squares (8 inches each), one in girly colours and another one in darker shades to suit different blankets. 

They will be in the post today to The Craft Hive where they will be crocheted together into blankets. 

 If you would like to join, visit Woollies for Tassie Facebook group. 

Hope you are having a lovely day! 

My creative space...new toy and a new pattern!

Sometimes I have a clear plan for a day but it changes in a split moment when a new idea pops into my head! 

That exactly what happened last week.  I was in my studio looking through my notebooks and, out of the blue, I found a sketch from 2 years ago that I done on a plane to London. 
I am going to release a few patterns this year so I thought why not this one?! Thus, after a few days of making sure the pattern works and writing the instructions, it is now available in my patterns shop. 

I made 2 dolls to demonstrate different facial expressions and colour combinations. Pattern contains the step by step instructions as well as a few pictures to demonstrate the process behind creating their sweet faces. It also comes with 5% discount on any supplies required to create this doll that can be purchased in Plushka's Makery .

They are so much fun to make that I find it really hard to stop on just 2, there are so many colour combos that I can make them in! 
I think I'll make a few more next week, they are just too lovely. 
Do you like Russian dolls?

Happy Crafting! 

Sponsors love - Red colour finds, bi-monthly

It's all about red colour at Plushka's at the moment. After all, Valentine's day is only about 4 weeks away! Besides, red is one of my favourite colours - it's bright and happy. Here is a mini round-up of products from my lovely sponsors that are made in this wonderful cheery colour:

Ladybug notebook from Sammy & Lola  - $3 

Hand-printed fabric fat quarter by BlueBerry Ash textiles - $12

Red felt kitten by Allie's handcrafted gifts - $28

Set of red bows by KJP Designs - $5

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Would you like to be Plushka's sponsor? Email me for more details! plushkacraft[at]hotmail.com. The rates start from just $5 - $20! 
We keep it affordable for small handmade businesses. 
(fabric shops are welcome)

Valentine's day collection of felt love hearts

I am very excited to finally share with you my latest project,  and my first Valentine's day collection - "Love hearts". 

I began thinking about making my first Valentine's day collection on Christmas break and started by modifying Plushka's "classic" - 
"I heart owls" brooches  into a slightly different, more summery and girly design with a little flower on a side.

Purple and green brooches are the "classic" design that I've been making for about 2 years and the light pink and peach are the new ones.

As I wanted to make my hair accessories available on the different clips this year, I stitched a new heart design on an alligator clip. They are easier to clip on then silver snap clips, covered with a ribbon and look very cute, don't you think? 

It's a small collection but I do hope to add a few more items with time. There are still a few cross-stitched creations that I thought I will be able to finish by the release date but slightly overestimated the time available. The design, as well as the cross-stitch embroidery itself, require a few more weeks of work.  

So far it got a very good response with my VIP club members who got a preview last week and I would love to know what YOU think about my new creations! 

xxx