Whenever I walk into a craft store, it’s inevitable that I’ll walk out having spent a ton of money on supplies that I really didn’t need but just had to have!
Surely, I’m not the only one?? (C’mon ladies, speak the truth…)
So over the weekend, I ventured into a local Spotlight store and got a little carried away…
To be honest, there were a few things I specifically wanted to buy (the Fat Quarters and Hobby Fill) but the rest were bought on a whim and the thought of ‘Oh, why not?’
Here are the deets of what I got:
Wooden Craft Keepers (Hedge Hog & Owl) by The Red Thread
DMC Stranded Thread/Floss in colours: 913, 959, 993 & 3812
Assorted Pastel Brads 60 pack by Francheville
‘Hello Sunshine’ Die Cut shapes by Kaiser Craft
Assorted Birthday stickers by Artwrap
Kraft & Cork stickers by Francheville
Saffron Craig ‘Bees’ Fat Flats | http://saffroncraig.com
Prints Charming ‘Spring Swing’ Fat Flats in Pink/Orange & Blue/Green | http://www.printscharming.com.au/home.htm
Elements Grey Stripe & Simple Green Triangles Fat Flats
Hobby Fill, 500g
So there’s just a little share of what I’ve recently bought.
I think my favourite thing is the two Wooden Craft Keepers.
I’ve been buying so many quilting gadgets and sewing accessories over the past month or so (who doesn’t, right?!), that I wanted to share a few of them with you in something that I call:
A Craft Haul!
Item #1
‘The Quilting Answer Book’ | Barbara Weiland Talbert
I discovered this little beauty of a book in one of my local bookshops and immediately knew it was coming home with me!
I had a good little flick through it to see what it was all about…
It begins with the basic questions and answers that all newbie quilters begin with regarding fabrics, batting, tools/accessories as well as cutting, piecing and pressing and how a quilt is assembled etc.
The book also delves into answering the deeper and more advanced techniques of quilting like applique, quilting techniques and skills, embellishments, calculating your own block designs and more!
The book has been set out into easy to find and read sections that have informative diagrams and images to follow along with.
[CLICK HERE] To see more information about this book!
Item #2
Fiskars Self-Healing Double-Sided Cutting Mat | 18x24inches
I had been saving like mad and keeping my patience hat on, waiting to get this.
My previous cutting mat was getting a bit ‘rough-around-the-edges’, both sides. Because I was really impressed by the quality and features of that Fiskars cutting mat, I was on the look out for a good sale price (these baby’s aren’t cheap!).
Eventually my patience was rewarded with a 40% off Fiskars Quilting Tools sale at Spotlight! Cha-Ching!
The thing that I especially love about the Fiskars Mats is that they have the 1/8th” measurement lines as well as a dotted lines in between the solids so that accurate measuring and cutting is a breeze!
Item #3
Sew Easy Patchwork Ruler | 14×4.5inches
While I was ‘treating’ myself to a new cutting mat, I also purchased another quilting ruler.
I was looking for another one of those ‘basic’ types of rulers that can be used when measuring and cutting anything.
This particular ruler is slightly longer than the previous one I was using (tick!) and features the all-important imperial measurements (tick!).
Item #4
Clover Tracing Wheel | With Serrated Edges
When I do paper-piecing, I like to perforate the lines that I’ll be sewing over by guiding the paper through an unthreaded sewing machine. This perforation helps when tearing the paper off in the later stages of the block construction.
To avoid this time consuming step, I bought a serrated edge tracing wheel that will, hopefully, do the same kind of job as the sewing machine.
I’m yet to trial this method out so I can’t really say whether this will work with much success! I’ll keep you posted!
Item #5
Pink Thread Snips | With anti-slip grip handle
I like using these types of thread cutters. I find that they’re quicker to pick up and use and the point at the end of blade cuts closer to the surface.
These particular thread snips are unbranded and were on the cheap side, so how well they’ll work and how long they’ll last is anyone’s guess!
Item #6
‘PaintBox’ Collection by Cynthia Rowley | ‘Prism’, 50x112cm
Gosh I love this fabric! I’m sucker for anything with crisp geometric forms and bold intense colours.
As you may know, I’m using this print as the feature in my Friendship Star Quilt. Initially I only got about half-a-metre (50cm) from the meterage and realised it wouldn’t quite be enough for what I was doing (don’t you hate it when that happens!?). So I bought another 50cm for when I need it – and I will!
This print was part of a super-swish collection from Cynthia Rowley that I purchased from Spotlight. The other designs in the range are all insanely beautiful and fun…I wish I was a millionaire so I could buy them all!
I’d been searching around for chalkboard paint for ages until I very randomly came across this sweet little tin in one of my favourite stationary stores.
I was happy with the price ($9.95) and the size, so I got it!
I haven’t used this product yet, so again, I’m not sure of the quality that lies within… However, I’m always on Pinterest, so I’m sure I’ll come across a brilliant craft idea to try it out on! I’ll share that too when the time comes!
I also filmed a video of me chatting about all of these products on my YouTube Channel!
All of these products, except the book and chalkboard paint, I purchased at Spotlight – usually when there was a catalogue sale or storewide sale.
I haven’t been paid or asked to review/chat/share these items. Everything written is my own opinion, experience and thought.
Moving on, I have new quilt block tutorial coming out later this week!!
Here’s a little glimpse…
Mystery Block…
Ooo, what could it be!?!?
Stay tuned for more!
Happy Sewing Friends!
xx
PS. You can also find more of me, my work and patchworky dreams here –
3and3quarters 