Cool bag for a hot iron

I love teaching sewing classes at school but one of the issues I have at the end of the lesson is what to do with a hot iron.

My friend Kate had this cool bag that when unfolded is an ironing mat and folded is a holder for a hot iron.

I borrowed it from her and made my own one:

Kate's bag is the red one and mine is the black one

Unfolded, it's an ironing mat

sides held closed with velcro

I had a quick look at Spotlight for the heat resistant fabric but it was quite pricey so I bought a cheap ironing mat from Daiso ($2 shop) and that did the trick too!

Thanks for the great idea Kate!

p.s I have my 200th blog post coming up so watch this space for something special!

Happy Quilting!

Clothing samples

I realise it has been a while since my last post..... The school holidays are in full swing and although I only have one child at home at the moment, its been hard getting motivated to get into the sewing room.


I made a visit to Arab street and found a couple of great material shops with fabric at reasonable prices.  I also bought thread, elastic and ribbon at this great little shop at considerably less cost than if I went to Spotlight.  For once I got home and felt good that I got a good deal and didn't get ripped off!

Lately I haven't been doing any dyeing or quilting but have been making other things instead.

My son Luke asked me to print a tshirt for him with a picture from his favourite computer game - Minecraft for his birthday on Wednesday.

I used an iron-on tshirt transfer and it looked good....until it went through the wash.  Oh dear!
Round two involved printing the picture onto a fabric sheet, fusing and sewing it to the tshirt.  Hopefully this one will stand up to washing a little better.

Here is what else I have been making....

Childs Denim skirt

small drawstring bag

Child's Peasant blouse

I realise that making clothing is not normally my thing but these sample pieces are all part of an exciting Master Plan!  WATCH THIS SPACE!!!