Organic A Go Go - Monaluna & Cloud 9 Organic Cotton Fabrics

We are gradually increasing the range of organic cotton fabrics that we stock here at Voodoo Rabbit Fabric. Our current range of organic cottons include retro cars and scooter from Monaluna, super cute pirates from Cloud 9, mice and sheep in very unexpected colours from Kokka and The Lorax from Robert Kaufman.
Although organic cottons cost a bit more than others, we feel that they are well worth the extra money per metre. We believe that sewing in itself is an environmentally friendly pursuit. By sewing, mending and recycling our own clothes and accessories we are reducing waste in landfill. DIY items also reduce our dependence on mass produced, sweatshop made clothing. Choosing to sew using organic cotton just takes us one step further along the eco-friendly spectrum :)

Havana Collection by Monaluna Fabric

Havana On the Go Blue Organic Cotton by Monaluna

Havana On the Go Red Organic Cotton by Monaluna

Havana Scoot! Scoot! Blue Organic Cotton by Monaluna

GOTS-certified organic cotton is produced using no toxic chemicals throughout the entire production process, ensuring a healthier working environment for the farmers and mill workers, and a healthier, higher-quality product for the end user. Additionally, the GOTS certification signifies that the product is fair-trade, ensuring that it was produced under safe, healthy and equitable conditions. Read more about the Global Organic Textile Standard(GOTS) and what it covers here.

Seven Seas by Cloud 9 Fabric

Seven Seas Laddies & Poppets White Organic Cotton by Cloud 9

Seven Seas Sea Critters Blue Organic Cotton by Cloud 9

Seven Seas The Fleet Red Organic Cotton by Cloud 9

We'd be interested to know if any of you have sewn with organic cotton, did you notice the difference?

- Ky and Cloud

Salt Water Fabric Collection designed by Tula Pink for Free Spirit

Salt water is the latest collection by Tula Pink for Free Spirit fabric and we are very excited to have gotten our hands on some:)

Tula Pink describes her Salt Water fabric collection as follows:

"Growing up on the California coast stays with a girl. The salty sea air and the sun slowly descending into the pacific ocean will always mark the end of the day for me even if I am far away, this is what I see when I close my eyes. The ocean covers so much of the earth and most of what goes on out there is still a mystery. This collection is standing on the fine sand beach imagining a whole other universe under the current. An Octopus sits majestically aware in an intricate lattice work of seaweed, coral and tiny fish. A cluster of sea shells and starfish drift patiently on the ocean floor where their subtle beauty can only be appreciated by each other. Just on the surface seagulls ebb among the buoys and white caps investigating the source of their next meal or maybe they are pondering flight and the nature of the universe. All of these things and more are happening out there as we go about our every day lives. Salt Water is a tribute to the mystery of the deep sea. So relax, take a vacation even if it's only in the sewing room."

We have chosen 9 of the standout fabrics from the collection and they are all currently available from our Web store and in our showroom.

click for a larger image

Top:
Salt Water Sea Debris Seaweed by Free Spirit
Salt Water Ocean Ponies Aqua by Free Spirit
Salt Water Octo Garden Coral by Free Spirit
Middle:

Salt Water Octo Garden Aqua by Free Spirit

Salt Water Octo Garden Seaweed by Free Spirit

Bottom:

Salt Water Ocean Ponies Seaweed by Free Spirit

Salt Water Submarines and Seaweed Coral by Free Spirit

Salt Water Submarines and Seaweed Blue by Free Spirit

Salt Water Ocean Ponies Coral by Free Spirit

Sewing Inspiration for Salt Water fabric

click for a larger image

Left: 

The Volkswagen combi van is the epitome of beach culture and how cool do they look on these cushions. Click here for the Free PDF pattern.

Center: 

Ot how about a Salt Water Union Jack Cushion Cover? 

Click here for the free PDF tutorial for a union Jack patchwork pattern.

Right: 

The Hot Mess Casserole Carrier free pattern

Have you made anything using Salt Water fabric we'd love to see a photo :)

- Ky and Cloud

Learn to Sew Lesson 1 is in the bag

Our first Learn to Sew Class with StephC went swimmingly with all of the students finishing their tote bags before the end of class.

Don't they look great and very practical as well. The bags are made from heavy weight cotton/linen or cotton canvas fabric with 38mm webbing for the handles.

Next week we will be starting to make up a basic knit top using Steph's blank canvas tee pattern. My introduction to sewing knits was with Steph with this pattern so I can attest to its ease to sew and fit. It should be a lot of fun.

If you are interested in learning to sew please drop us a line at sales[@]voodoorabbit.com.au and we will add you to our waiting list for our next course.
- Ky

Pam Kitty Love Fabric Collection by Holly Holderman and Pam Vieria-McGinnis for Lakehouse

Pam Kitty Love is a super cute range by Holly Holderman and Pam Vieria-McGinnis. The Conversation Heart and Button panels are the standout prints from this range and we have picked the four co-ordinating fabrics to match these two panels.

Main Image

Pam Kitty Love - Conversation Heart Panel by Lakehouse

Bottom (left to right)

Pam Kitty Love - Tonal Hearts Black by Lakehouse

Pam Kitty Love - Heart Toss by Lakehouse

Pam Kitty Love - Button Panel by Lakehouse

Side (middle to top)

Pam Kitty Love - Tonal Hearts Red by Lakehouse

Pam Kitty Love - Heart Toile Black by Lakehouse

Sewing Inspiration for Pam Kitty Love

Left

Oh my Stars Mini Quilt, this is a free pattern which is available here.

Top Right

A selection of fabric gift tags by Suzanne of Notes From the Patch. 

She even has a tutorial here so you can make some of your very own. 

I particularly like how she has sewn real buttons over the printed ones.

Bottom Middle

Market Bag by Pam Kitty Morning, see her blog post for more details. 

Isn't the button fabric just perfect for the centre panel on a bag. Hmm we may need to make a new Panel or City Bag.

Bottom Right

Pyjama Pants by Pam Kitty Morning, see her blog post for more details.

I'm inspired to make some new pyjama's using this range, maybe the Black Heart Toile for the shorts and some Heart Toss on the top:) What do you think?

- Ky

New Sewing Workshop/Class listed - Come As You Are | General Sewing with StephC - Jan 27

For anyone who has followed the blog 3 Hours Past the Edge of the World you will know that StephC has a wealth of sewing knowledge to share.

This class is a chance for you to learn first hand from Steph's sewing experience while you work on your own project at your own pace. Steph will be available to answer any sewing questions, give small demonstration as well as provide tips and tricks to improve your sewing skills and confidence.

The general sewing class is suitable for anyone who has a working knowledge of basic sewing, but would like to explore more intermediate/advanced sewing and wardrobing concepts with an experienced and patient mentor. Relax and enjoy a friendly social sewing atmosphere while Steph simplifies your sewing. From children’s clothes to couture, pattern fitting to finishing details, home dec to light leatherwork, Steph will guide your sewing projects and help you build skills to reach your ultimate sewing dream.

The first class will run on Jan 27 and there will be two sessions of 3 hours each. You can choose to come to the morning, afternoon or both sessions.

Morning Class: 10am - 1pm
Afternoon Class: 2pm - 5pm

If you would like to sign up or see more information please head over to our website or pop in and see us at our East Brisbane Showroom.

You will need to bring your sewing machine and any tools or patterns related to your project of choice. Each class will be different from every other class - you can pick up new and unexpected skills and techniques from your fellow students and from Steph as she teaches on the spot mini-lessons.

There will be a maximum of 4 students per class to ensure personal attention.

If you can't sew and have always wanted to learn to sew you might like to try one of our Beginner Sewing Courses.

Happy Sewing :)

Ky

Timber and Leaf - New fabric range by Sarah Watts for Blend Fabric

Cloud is very excited about the Timber and Leaf fabric range that we have just received because it has foxes in it. She is determined that foxes are going to be the new owl :)

Main Image

Timber and Leaf - Fox Portrait Brown by Blend Fabric

Side (Top to Bottom)

Timber and Leaf - Playful Fox Pink by Blend Fabric

Timber and Leaf - Pine Sticker Pink by Blend Fabric

Timber and Leaf - Fox Portrait Gold by Blend Fabric

Timber and Leaf - Fawn in Birch Grey by Blend Fabric

Bottom (Left to Right)

Timber and Leaf - Fawn in Birch Blue by Blend Fabric

Timber and Leaf - Playful Fox Blue by Blend Fabric

Timber and Leaf - Pine Sticker Yellow by Blend Fabric

The Timber and Leaf range is now available in both our web store and our Showroom.

The Timber and Leaf range was designed by Sarah Watts, don't you think that her logo has the cutest little skull in it :)

If you would like to follow Sarah's work you can find her website here.

Now how about a little inspiration to get your sewing juices flowing?

Aren't the little fox toys cute, we couldn't find the pattern for these ones but you might like to try this pattern here. It has been provided free by Matsutake so make sure you drop her a thank you if you use it.

The cushion on the right was made by Debby Kratovil, she also has a free pattern available for the cushion cover with the bow. I think this would look awesome with the Pine Sticker print as the bow and either the Fox Portrait or the Fawn in Birch as the main fabric.

Do you like this range and what would you make from it?

- Ky

Celebrate 2013 year of the SNAKE with TWO snakey-promos

This year will be the year of the Snake, which is also my Chinese birth sign. I am not a big fan of snakes but you have to admit that Pauline's Silly Scrap Snake is cuter than most snakes.

My personal reservations aside, Voodoo Rabbit Fabric and Funky Friends Factory will be celebrating the Year of the Snake from now until the Chinese New Year begins on the 10th of Feb!!! So there’s lots of time to take advantage of these TWO snakey-promos!!

Snakey Promo 1
You can get the Silly Scrap Snake Instant Download Pattern for FREE* with ANY purchase from the Funky Friends Factory website!

When you visit the FUNKY FRIENDS FACTORY website and make a purchase – add the Silly Scrap Snake Pattern to your Shopping Cart then, at Checkout, use the COUPON CODE  –

SNAKE13

valid until February 10th 2013!

The snake pattern is perfect for beginner sewist and if you need extra help Pauline also has this brilliant photo tutorial.

* PLEASE NOTE: The Free Snake Pattern Instant Download offer CANNOT be used in conjunction with ANY OTHER OFFER – ONLY ONE COUPON CODE CAN BE USED AT A TIME so you CANNOT COMBINE SPECIAL OFFERS or SUBSTITUTE another pattern for the Silly Scrap Snake Pattern.

Snakey Promo 2

One you have purchase your Silly Scrap Snake you are going to need some snakey fabrics to sew him up with.

Personally I've always wanted to make a Tim Burton inspired snake but I've never found the time.

You could use Tomato Red, Snow White, Black, Daffodil Yellow to recreate these guys, don't forget to send us a photo so that we can live vicariously through you :)

Until the 13th Feb 2013 you can get 13% discount off all fabrics in our online store. Visit the Voodoo Rabbit Fabric website and use this COUPN CODE when checking out:

SNAKE13

How do you feel about snakes, would you sew one and which fabrics would you use?

- Ky

Learn to Sew - Voodoo Rabbit Fabric Beginner Sewing Classes

We are very excited to announce the second class available at the Voodoo Rabbit Showroom is a 5 week learn to sew course. These classes will be kept small, 4-6 students maximum, so that you get the best student/teacher interaction possible.

StephC, the creator of Cake Patterns, has kindly agreed to be our dressmaking sewing teacher. Steph loves teaching beginners and has several years of experience teaching adults of all ages to sew in Brisbane. 

During the 5 weeks you will make three projects:
- a simple but useful tote bag
- a basic t-shirt
- an A-line Skirt

The skills taught over these three projects will provide a solid sewing foundation with skills such as:
- what tools and equipment to use
- how to shop for fabric

- how to sew woven and stretch fabrics
- how to read pattern instructions
- how to insert a zipper

Classes will start at 6pm on Jan 22 2013 and will continue weekly until Feb 19. If you would like to sign up or see more information please head over to our website or pop in and see us at our East Brisbane Showroom.

If you already have a basic knowledge of sewing but would like the chance to learn more intermediate or advanced skills, we will have classes listed for you very shortly. Stay tuned :)

- Ky and Cloud

Pattern Drafting Workshop

We are very excited to announce that we are starting a workshop program this year at the Voodoo Rabbit Showroom. Classes will be kept small, 4-6 students maximum, so that you get the best student/teacher interaction possible.

Our first class that we have available on our website is Pattern Drafting 1 - Skirts. During this 4 week course you will learn how to draft a skirt block to use as a basis for developing your own skirt designs. This class will be taught by Martyn Smith, an industry veteran with many years of experience in tailoring, pattern design and drafting.

The skirt drafting course will be the first in a series of pattern drafting workshops run by Martyn. The full pattern drafting program will include:

Pattern Drafting 1 - Skirts
Pattern Drafting 2 - Pants
Pattern Drafting 3 - Bodices
Pattern Drafting 4 - Dresses

Each subsequent course will expand on the techniques and processes taught in the previous course/s. Therefore it is recommended that students attend all courses in the suggested order.

We also have Steph from 3 Hours Past the Edge of the World lined up to teach a 5-week Beginners Sewing Class, intermediate “pick up” classes, and several Cake pattern classes. These will be listed over the next few days so keep an eye out on our website.

If there is a class that you would like us to run please leave a comment and we will do our best to set something up.

We are very excited about our plans for 2013 and hope to meet heaps of new people who share our passion for sewing and fabric.

- Ky and Cloud