With year coming to a close I find this time extremely motivating for me.  I want to rest and just chill with the family but at the same time I can’t help but get excited about the year ahead.  It must be the sunshine!!

I recently stumbled across, what looked like an awesome planner to help me achieve some projects I have in mind.  I can now say, its as great as it looks.  Its a quarterly planner (Jan, Feb, Mar) that includes a day to a page with its own to do list.  There are quarterly goals, quarterly budgets, space to map your ideal week, space to write your lists of things to research or write your ideas for later, month by month to do list, double page month in view, double page full year in view, at the end of each week there is a notes page and a self care scorecard, social media stats, pages to plan for your next planner, double page in view for the next quarter, reflection pages so you can review, revisit, refresh & restart and there are plenty of extra pages for scribbles and brainstorms.

Hey Control Freak is the best planner, diary, journal Ive seen so far!

So with all my organising these past couple of weeks I thought that we could do with a Project Planning Sheet.  There is space for you to sketch your design, include fabric types or samples, jot down patterns that may be of interest to you.  Take your models measurements and note any other measurements you might need.  Fabric & Notion requirements can be listed too so when you go shopping you know exactly what you need.

Download and print Miss Mary Project Planning Sheet

Learn some basic skills to get you started crocheting away!

I will teach you how to slip knot, chain stitch and double crochet so that you can start on making a simple blanket.  You will be given a list of resources, a crochet hook and some yarn to practice.

Cost is $55, the location…Miss Mary Headquarters in Balcatta  :  7:30pm til 9:30pm

BOOK NOW!

kelly@missmary.com.au

It was a Tuesday night back in September 2015, Christie and Carolina suggested a sewing retreat.  I responded with yeah thats cool but can I pleeeease sew too.  Whilst I love teaching all the time when I see you all sewing and chatting I want to join you!!  Christie Blizzard the most amazing young woman was onto it and it was booked within days.

On Friday, 15 July the car was packed and we headed for Toodyay in the Perth hills.  Whilst there were some children who shed tears that their mums were leaving, my three were still asleep at 10am and had no idea I was on my way.  Still, I kissed their foreheads and squeezed them tight. The drive was picturesque and in usual style my sister-in-law and I chatted the whole way with mum in tow.

The 50km speed zone through Toodyay town allowed us to spin heads looking out for any quirky shops, op shops and bakeries and yes there were all of those.

Avalon Homestead was home for the next few days and I didn’t really know what to expect and was feeling nervous that this group of ladies arriving are trusting our choice for the weekend.  We were greeted by Delveen and Peter who showed us around and took us to our rooms.  The decor is cottage like and not styled like my house but the place was very clean and spotless.

A massive sewing room awaited us, fresh, new, clean and organised, perfectly equipped for what we needed.  Goodie bags that Christie made up for us were set on our tables and we were looking out to a lovely lush green view.

We were served lunch and then the crafting began.  The ladies started trickling in throughout the afternoon and although heads were down there was constant chatter.

Im the cook at my house so to be served breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon tea was total bliss.  I was for once on the receiving end, I now know what’s its like for everyone at home when I call them for dinner and understand why nobody rushes to the dinner table.  This is me…”Dinner is readyyyy!”  “Hurry up or it will go cold!”  “Goodness me, when I say dinner is ready I expect you to get up straight away and eat after I’ve spent the whole afternoon in the kitchen!”  This weekend, I did not want to leave my work until I had just finished this last bit, I didn’t mind that dinner would go cold!  Our cook Peter took so much pride in his cooking that he didn’t want it to go cold either.  The meals were like home cooked meals and there was always plenty of it.  They even catered for those who were gluten free.

Shopping in Toodyay?  Well yes of course, some of the ladies ducked out for a bit over the weekend and picked up some very cool items.  And Christmas shopping?  They have the second biggest Christmas shop in Australia, they had everything you can imagine.  Nobody made it to the bakery, there was no way we were going to fit it in with all the food.  However I do believe they were voted the best Pastie for 2016.
There were 14 of us in total, an amazing group of women, and our hands were kept busy.  The chatter, the laughs, the sharing, the pouring of wine, the teaching was continuous.  Collectively we made bags, quilts, shorts, aprons, nighties, floor cushions, pants, dolls, quilted zippy pouches, leotards, bodysuits.  We used cotton, double gauze, corduroy, piping, zippers, leather, trim, lycra, french terry, quilt batting, embroidery thread, Liberty fabrics.  There was pattern making, rulers, brown paper, overlocking, cover stitching, threading, rethreading and sewing.  There was the crochet of blankets and knitting of jumpers with jumbo hooks, giant knitting needles and chunky yarn.  Each persons personality showing in every project worked on.  Well that’s the part I notice…I see so much in ones creativity and thats why I love it so.  It must also be noted that the projects we worked on weren’t necessarily something we had practiced and perfected before this weekend.  Most of us learnt new skills to add to our inner Nanna-ness.  Call it daggy and so old fashioned but this crafting thing is the best feel good hobby and I look forward to many more Miss Mary Retreats.

Special Thanks is owed to the amazing Christie Blizzard whom I would not have been able to do this without.  She continues to amaze me with her spunk for life, crafting and work.

Carolina Mondello for giving us the nudge to do this.  Carolina makes the most gorgeous quilts and other projects, you can follow her on Instagram.

Debra Hayes for your gorgeous photos and styling in between your stitching and crochet, Debra Hayes Floral

Burnells on Queen Street, Perth…Tracey, John and Brad who support my passion for sewing and converting all you young women to Nanna’s way before you actually are one.  We were able to test and trial the Bernina Cover Stitch Machine and Overlocker and loved them.

Craft Bound, Jelly Bean Street & Burnells for our goodie bags

Rob Fomiatti – Remedial Masseur, who massaged our knots away

And to Peter and Delveen at Avalon Homestead who ensured we had a wonderful stay

I see over 90 students in a fortnight, every fortnight.  If I had to choose which class was my favourite Id say all of them.  Every class is an absolute joy for me.  Joy because I am always around an amazing group of women, some who I’ve known now for up to 6 years.  Amongst each other they chat, tell stories of their loved ones, share their knowledge on cooking, sewing, shopping, books, movies, work, knitting, crochet, pattern making…everything!  They encourage, plan and inspire, always feeding project ideas off each other. They are forever sharing…’oh here I have that colour thread use mine’.  The personalities and dynamics are perfect to make a TV show, the laughs are endless.

I teach each student individually within a group class, I move from one student to the next teaching the skills they wish to learn, making the projects they want.  This can be quite a challenge when everyone is making something different but of course I wouldn’t have it any other way!  Im quizzed on a daily basis on what machine to buy, where to buy fabric, how do I make cushion covers for my outdoor setting and even asked to help small businesses get started.  I receive these requests in emails, texts, photos and even FaceTime calls, all of which I encourage and thrive on.  This is a feel good job that Ill be keeping for as long as you want to learn to sew because I sincerely love it.

So how can I show you all of this without you having set foot in my studio?  I had the extremely talented Lisa Anfuso of One Life Photography visit this week and photograph during a class.  May I say the only ‘staged’ part was the fact that I put a bit more make up on than usual.  Lisa captured Wednesday mornings class perfectly and you know we didn’t even know she was there.  There are so many photos to choose from so here is a snippet.  I can’t wait to show you more of Miss Mary Sewing Classes.  Check out Lisa’s post on her experience with us all over here.

Thank you Lisa 🙂

Kelly x

BurdaStyle has become a favourite of mine for patterns that fit beautifully.  You can see all about BurdaStyle on the blog over here.

These are some of the projects I have completed.

SPLIT SLEEVE TOP

This top was nice and easy to make.  Its made up of two pieces being front and back and bias binding for the back split and the neck edge which ties up.

I used Rayon so that it would drape beautifully.

This pattern is available to make in class – You will need approximately twice your length in fabric so go with 1.5metres.

SWING CARDIGAN

This cardigan was easy to make because I used a Ponte fabric.  Ponte doesn’t fray so I could make this without having to finish of the edges.  I ran a sewing line along the neckline just to hold it in place to prevent it from stretching too much.

This cardi has proven to be popular in class and has been made in lovely fabrics.

This pattern is available to make in class – You will need 1.9 metres of 160cm wide fabric.  Best choice in fabric is one that has two good sides.  Use Ponte or any heavy stretch fabric.

HIGH NECK BLOUSE

I love love love this blouse.  I feel its one that particularly suits me.  I want to make more!

The pattern comes as a long sleeve, there is a seam that runs along the shoulder which Im not that keen on as it sticks out a little bit.  You really need someone to pin it to the shape of your shoulder.   The sleeveless version needs a facing or you could do a bias binding and have it tucked into the top.  The back has a small split and I close it with a large hook and eye.

Rayon was my choice in fabric for all of these, Im sure you can tell I love the drape of Rayon.

This is another project that has been popular in class.  Juliana has made one with a light stretch fabric that also drapes beautifully.  Both Juliana and Sophie made it into a sleeveless dress which looks lovely too.

I have this pattern available in class – you will need 1.6metres of fabric 140cm wide for the long sleeved version, all sizes.  Should your fabric be less in width you would need 2.5metres.  Sleeveless version you’ll need 1metre for small sizes and 1.6metres for larger sizes.

Off to make some more!!

Over the years (7 in fact!) day in and day out I have worked with hundreds of students using hundreds of sewing machines.  Different brands and different models, computerised, mechanical and vintage, you name it we’ve worked with it!  On a daily basis I am asked which machine should I buy?  And I consistently hear, “oh I should have waited to buy before rushing out!”

My business is about teaching those people who think they can’t even sew a stitch, its about those who want extra knowledge so they can sew the items that are of interest to them whether it be for their family, themselves or to decorate their house.  And so, since day one, I have been accepting of every model of sewing machine at every price range and I always will.

With recent meetings, I am very excited to be collaborating with Janome and Bernina, two outstanding sewing machine brands that over the years I have grown to fancy.
Our objective being that we wish to provide brilliant service, guidance and encouragement to sewists of every level.  Miss Mary students past, present and future will be given the best prices along with bonuses, when purchasing from selected stores.  For particular details please drop me an email or visit my website.  I will also have stock of some accessories such as bobbins and presser feet.

There are several machines available to try during class or at any time that suits you.  Whether you are thinking about upgrading or not, I invite you to see what all the fuss is about.  Sewing Group students please drop me an email and let me know that you would like to have a go on one of the machines for your lesson (no charge of course).